A day in Valais: hiking and dining among the vines

If you want to hike in Valais with great views, but not too steeply, you should opt for a route along a bisse: These water channels were built from the 12th century onwards to irrigate meadows and vineyards. Flat paths lead along the sometimes exposed bisses - much to the delight of hikers.

One beautiful example is the Bisse de Clavau between Sion and St.-Léonard. Once you have left the historic town centre of Sion behind you, a steady gurgling and splashing sound soon accompanies your every step. The water flows along the vines like a glistening ribbon.

At the same time, you are presented with an impressive panorama: the ice-blue waters of the Rhone as they wind their way through the valley. A sea of vines nestling over the hills. And behind it, the mighty mountain peaks.

At regular intervals, signs lure hikers into small bistros for wine tastings. It's worth making a stop: Sion lies in the centre of one of Switzerland's most important wine regions. The white wines from the region, including Fendant and Petite Arvine, are particularly well known.

Once you arrive in Saint-Léonard, the varied hike draws to a close. Another water-related attraction awaits here: The largest underground lake in Europe, measuring 300 metres in length.

When the cave was discovered in 1943, the water level almost reached the ceiling. Three years later, an earthquake occurred around Sion, causing the lake level to drop. Since then, boat trips have been offered on Lac Souterrain de Saint-Léonard.

To round off the day in Valais, you can dine at a particularly romantic table in summer: Every summer, Valais winegrowers invite you to a tavolata. This is a large gathering between the vines or in an unusual outdoor location, where guests of all generations come together for a meal. The Tavolata stands for the joy of life, laughter, food, and sharing.

The varied programme ensures that there is something for every taste and every budget. Some wineries offer real gourmet menus. Others organise buffets with regional products and still others focus on simplicity and tradition - with raclette, polenta, fondue, or lamb on a spit.

This year, the unique experience will continue until 31 August 2024.

Sion is also a great place to dine outside the tavolata season - for example at La Sitterie. In this restaurant with its cosy garden terrace, you can enjoy delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine with creative accents. Valais chef Jacques Bovier has been at the helm since 2004. His wine list is also impressive: It features a large selection of Valais wines.

Further inspiration for restaurants with a good selection of Swiss wines can be found on the Swiss Wine Gourmet website. Over 1000 restaurants that have been awarded the label of the same name are already listed there.