church-fortress of valere (eglise-forteresse de valere)

My husband and I were driving through Sion on our way to Italy, but saw the castle complex perched high up on the hill from the highway and had to stop. It turned out to be well worth it!I'm still not sure what the parking sitch there is. We assumed the castle wouldn't have parking so we found a free spot just down the hill. When we walked up, we passed a large empty parking area next to the old penitentiary but it had a "no parking" sign. Just past that, we came to the Y between the trails to this castle and the neighboring Château de Tourbillon. The parking area was quite large, and I didn't see any signs there to indicate it wasn't free public parking (though maybe I missed them). The parking lot was empty, not surprising for January.A WC/public restroom is located by the trail heading up to Valère Castle near the parking area. It was locked during our visit, but they're likely open during the summer season. A restroom is also available in the castle. If you're heading up to Valère, look for the little red door to the left near the cafe toward the top. Cutest Swiss bathroom ever!From the Y at the parking lot, you'll see a sign pointing to the trail to Valère Castle on your right and Tourbillon higher up on the hill to the left. You have to visit both! If you're in decent shape, the hike is easy shmeazy. When you hike up to Valère, you'll pass All Saints' Chapel first on your left. It's really cute. A bit further up offers great views across to the adjacent Tourbillon Castle. Next is a small cafe with an outdoor eating area and a museum, which costs a couple francs (though we didn't go in). A few more steps leads you to a large clear viewing area with superb views of the town, valley, and panoramic mountains. The church is through one more small doorway and a short walkway. The entire complex offers a fun way to spend a couple of hours.The super nice lady in the church spoke English, was friendly, and answered our questions about the organ and the history of the place. She even let us bring in our little dog as long as we carried her. Bonus!

The Church-Fortress is about 20 minutes from Sion station. If you're travelling by car, there are two parking (fees) at the bottom of the hill. You're not allowed to drive up unless you have a special permit from the commune. Despite what people are saying about the climb, its not impossible. Sure, you'd pause for air now and again but you'll eventually make it up there. There are so many distractions along the way that would take your mind off the climb. Sadly, there is no wheelchair access or for mothers with prams. At the top, you get a panoramic view of Sion. Its really beautiful, you get to see the old town of Sion merging with the newer parts. You can see the river Rhone winding its way towards Martigny and Vaud. The church is beautiful, most of it is inaccessible to the public. However you can peep in from a distance of approximately 2 metres or more. The entrance is simple except for that organ that is perched high up at the back of the church. It has undergone major renovations during the past year. Work is still being carried out in certain parts of the Fortress. There is a museum within the fortress, worth a visit. There is a tiny cafe that serves light snacks and beer. During summer you can sit outside in the terrace. Before the final climb, there is also food stall and a terrace that generally only opens throughout summer.

Opposite the castle but a lot more things to take in through the fact that it is an operating church going way back in time. Amazing to see how its built and asking yourself how they did it!

Fortunately, mum and I are hikers and so the climb to the top wasn't an issue for us, but we did pass a man in his late 80's who was using a stick to assist him and so anyone can do it. We were rewarded with a panoramic vista of the township on arrival and loved the frescoes, of which some were quite confronting. The unusual organ placement high above the pulpit was striking and it was clear that the parishioners of Sion still made the weekly trek to their lofty church. We'd highly recommend a visit

It's a bit of a hike but well worth walking up here in the day to get a good view of the valley. If you are with someone who really doesn't want to make the climb there's a nice plaza at the bottom of the path where they can enjoy an ice cream.

I walked up this cathedral after walking up to Chateau de Tourbillon, which is highly recommended because it makes this walk seem quite short. The cathedral has some lovely paintings and also seems quite expansive and airy due to the white walls.

After walking past some houses dated 1600s you arrive at a car park and café. From there it`s upwards with steps, and ending at the top which has a wonderful view of Sion. There is a small Chapel on the way, a museum ( charges) , café, small houses and the Chapel. To go inside the Chapel is free, but there is a guided tour which you have to pay for. It was quite a wait for the next one so I gave it a miss. Take water with you and you can top up at the taps on the way. I looked upwards to Tourbillon, and thought - can I manage that one as well - and I did.

Well we spent the morning wandering around the market and then headed up the LONG hill to the Castle. Its well worth the hike and the cost for the museum is worth it too. It shows the Castle from then until now in a really good way. The Church is great to walk around and look around and sit in. It has a wonderful view of the surrounding area and the café was a wonderful. A yummy crème brulee we had up there.

I made the comment upon leaving the Church-Fortress that I felt sorry for everyone who has not visited this amazing place.The climb is much easier than up to the other castle but you will still be rewarded with some beautiful views and a sense of wonderment at the Castle itself.For those who can't manage all of the steps there is also the chance to drive most of the way up and park in the carpark. There is also a little cafe, with toilets, in part of the building.We didn't visit the museum as we were short on time but did spend some time in the Church. It is such a beautiful place that I wished I lived closer so I could visit more often.

Pretty, old church-fortress. Quite a ways up walking, but the sights along the route and at the top make it worthwhile. Part of the TI walking tour.

A place filled with a mood of old spirit and history.Also very nice population... and good wine!Once up there, you will have a wonderful sight over the valley and an admirable position to watch the other castles and ruins.Not to miss if on the way from or to Italy.

A very nice place with a great view of the city of Sion! Great place to visit... You can just walk to the castle and enjoy the view or you can also after that enjoy the visit of the castle. It is a very nice place.

This is a fortified church situated on a hilltop. The climb up to it from the city centre is pretty steep and the last part of the route is over rough stones - definitely not wheelchair accessible. The church would have made a rather tough place to attack in the middle ages. Its being restored at the moment and has been for some time. Because of the restorations its only possible to visit the nave at the moment. The quire can be glimpsed through a pair of locked glass doors. Of not in the interior are some wall paintings, an ancient organ sat on what appears to be the prow of a boat that's crashed through the west wall, and a rather curious bridge across the nave high up near the vaulting. An interesting enough church to visit but for me the real star is the panoramic view over Sion and the Rhone Valley from the western battlements . There's a small museum next to the church which I haven't visited - plus twice a week there are displays of birds of prey from the cliffs east of the church - information and tickets for this are available from the tourist information centre.

We did this as part of a self guided tour route thru the old city of Sion. we picked up the map at the information kiosk at Place de la Plante and followed the numbers on the map to all fourteen locations. This was very well organized and easy as most things here in Switzerland are. The info signs are in French and English. The Minor Basilica is undergoing repairs on the facade but you can still go inside. We wished we were here during one of their organ concerts to here the ancient organ!!! Do not miss this if you are in the area.

This site has one of the nicest basilique I have ever seen. Its literally built on rock and has loads of character not to mention the views.Sion has a nice medieval old town. Go there on a sunny Friday morning. Start with the local market on the main street of the old town and work your way up to Valere after strolling the market a bit. This will give you a nice feel of what this city was and is like today.Highly recommended.