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City Spotlight
Raise Your Glass to the Revitalized Martigny
By 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 winemaking 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 construction, 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 transformation. 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 stations 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
