Page 46 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2026

C I T Y S P O T L I G H T
RAISE YOUR GLASS
to the Revitalized
MartignyBY KENDALL HUNTER
IN SWITZERLAND’S VALAIS REGION,
Martigny—a historic city on the Rhône—
reemerges as a stylish alpine basecamp for
culture, wellness, and outdoor adventure.
Skiers in winter and hikers and bikers in
summer enjoy the Alps at a relaxed pace and
a fraction of the cost of Switzerland’s big-
name resorts. Minutes from the mountains
and Lake Geneva—and under an hour from
Verbier, Crans-Montana, and Chamonix—
Martigny turns the Rhône Valley into a
year-round playground.
SOAK, SIP AND SAVOUR
The cobbled courtyard of Quartier LôDzè
wraps around the town’s central plaza—an
inviting hub of indulgence and relaxation.
Begin at Les Bains Public, a modern take on
Roman baths where history bubbles up inside
19th-century wine tanks turned pools. Drift
through the subterranean sanctuary, bathed
in ambient burgundy and rosé hues, and
savour a holistic thermal experience steeped
in mindful calm. Post-spa, grab a crafted
coffee or cocktail at Alphonse, or dine on
Valais-inspired dishes at Le Cercle Kitchen.
VOLUMES OF LUXURY
Hotel Borsari channels Martigny’s wine-
making past into a modern urban refuge.
Built on the site of a 19th-century winery Les
Caves Orsat, this Marriott-affiliated design
hotel opened in April 2025. Agro-industrial
heritage and Roman influence seep through
the stone and wine-hued walls, unified by a
chic aesthetic. Rooms take their names from
historic wine vats uncovered during con-
struction, including the 650 Hectolitre
Double and 1,100 Hectolitre Suite. Borsari
breathes new life into the city’s historic
centre, transforming Martigny from a
stopover into a destination where wellness,
heritage, and creativity converge.
HOUNDS AND HERITAGE
The stars of Barryland are soft, warm, and
prone to drooling. This sleek paw-shaped
museum, devoted to Saint Bernards,
reopened in June 2025 after a major transfor-
mation. On one floor, visitors watch these
descendants of the legendary rescue animals
of the Great St. Bernard Pass play, roam, and
interact with trainers. There’s always a dog
named Barry in the pack, in homage to the
adored Saint Bernard Barry, who rescued 40+
travellers in the early 1800s. One flight down,
exhibits, films, and augmented-reality sta-
tions celebrate the breed’s past and place in
Swiss culture. In summer, hike with the
dogs across the Great St. Bernard Pass; in
winter, meet them at Lake Champex.
CASTLES AND CAPERS
Perched above Martigny, Château de la
Bâtiaz invites visitors to step into
medieval life with a twist. Navigate its
labyrinth of corridors and chambers in
the interactive escape game, The Quest
for the Grail, or feast on medieval-
inspired dishes that bring history
deliciously to life. Climb the towers for
sweeping views of the Rhône Valley,
where vineyards and the Alps spill
toward the horizon. Amid ancient stone
walls and lively activities, the castle
blends history with play.
WHY GO NOW?
Martigny hums with fresh energy—new
openings, revived cultural sites, and a
blend of history and creativity make this
the moment to explore the Rhône
Valley’s most re-energized city.
TRAVEL PLANNER
To start planning your visit, see
martigny.com and myswitzerland.com
PHOTOS: STEVE BOOKER | MARTIGNY TOURISM | NICOLAS BEINER
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DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2026