A town full of charm to spend time in the snow with the whole family and an original tip: The San Bernardo Dog Museum!
Martigny, capital of the Canton of Valais, is a Swiss municipality located in the southwestern part near Mont Blanc. The city, between mountains and valleys, represents the center of an important crossroads between Gran San Bernardo, the Simplon and the Rhone Valley; a strategic position for which it has become a reference point for tourism.
Martigny, historic charm and views
Surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees, it is a town waiting to be discovered, it offers a breathtaking view, a renowned gastronomy and a fascinating historical-cultural context, in fact even prominent figures of the past such as Rousseau, Goethe and Liszt let themselves be conquered by the beauty of this location.
The houses alternate between wood and modernity; the city offers all the necessary services and above all various hotels where you can spend a wonderful stay.
Recommended hotels and apartments
One of the best hotels in town is the "Forclaz-Touring"In the center, 100 meters from the station. It offers free parking, a sauna and an excellent restaurant, and is also one of the cheapest.
The "Martigny Boutique Hotel”Is certainly one of the most beautiful, in a modern style, the restaurant is really special as it combines local cuisine with Peruvian.
"Vatel hotels”Is an excellent choice for your holiday with excellent service and a garden that allows you to have lunch and dinner outdoors, even in winter, with a beautiful heated veranda.
If you prefer apartments or chalets, there are tons of great deals on Airbnb. You can stay in a Chalet just outside the city or in the nearby villages, offering an enchanting view and scenery. Such as the "Chalet Moinstrois”Just outside the city, with a beautiful private garden; the Chalet in Le Biolley with a special view and entirely wooden interiors or one of the many comfortable and cheap apartments in the center.
What to visit in Martigny
The most important cultural attraction is the "Pierre Gianadda" Foundation which is made up of the Gallic-Roman Museum, the Automobile Museum and art exhibitions with works by Picasso and Chagall. Outside the building there is a magnificent park with sculptures and a pavilion dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. Not far away you can visit theMartigny amphitheater; while from the naturalistic point of view the Gorges of Durnand they are the perfect example of the beauty of the territory, they offer a wild scenery, which contrasts with the atmosphere of the city. They are located to the south and to reach them you start from the village of "Le Borgeaud".
The best ski areas
During the winter season the possibility of practicing winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding it is very vast. There are three main ski areas close to the city.
A 10-minute drive away you will find the "Les Marecottes”In Salvan, with 25 km of slopes and four ski lifts between 1100 and 2200 meters above sea level.
At 20 minutes there is theTrient ski lift at an altitude between 1320 and 1350 meters.
The best and greatest is to Ovronnaz, 30 minutes away, with 30 km of slopes and seven ski lifts between 1400 and 2427 meters.
All the slopes open the season from mid-December until the beginning of April.
For young and old the Martigny ice rink it is perfect for an afternoon of fun with family or friends, it is open to public skating mainly on Sundays, from September to March.
An original museum to visit
A curiosity: in Martigny you can visit the Museum of San Bernardo Dogs, breed par excellence of that area. Not only is there an exhibition on the history and characteristics but an entire room with many kennels where you can meet and caress the Saint Bernards.
A complete city, at 360 degrees for a perfect holiday in the snow!
