1920 Martigny

Postal code · Martigny

1920 Martigny

Postal code · Martigny

Martigny, Switzerland

1 Postcard

Highlights

In the charming town of Martigny, wander through sun-soaked apricot orchards and stumble upon the enchanting sounds of alphorn music echoing off ancient ruins.

Martigny, Switzerland Get directions

@afar

"Alphorns and Apricots on a Sunday Morning One weekend during a summer study abroad in Switzerland , a fellow student and I decided to explore a different corner of the country. So we hopped on the train... It was a Sunday morning when we found ourselves in Martigny. We left the sleepy train station and soon found an excavated section of an old Roman road that used to lead up through the Alps and then down into Italy. As we walked along it, we found apricot trees, full of ripe fruit—there is nothing sweeter than an apricot warmed by the sun on a Swiss morning. Then we began hearing something. "Is that Alphorn-playing?” We couldn't help but think of the old Ricola commercials. So we followed the sound, walking and still eating apricots, and ended up finding a rehearsal by an alphorn band, practicing in the two-thousand-year-old ruins of a Roman amphitheater."

15 Must-Do Experiences in Suisse Romande

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Mindy H.

Yelp

Want to step back into medieval times? Then definitely check out the Château de La Bâtiaz. This is a 13th Century medieval castle built as a fortress, not a residence, in order to protect the neighboring area. No fancy royal balls were thrown here, the only thing thrown here most likely were large objects from a catapult. From Martigny, you need to walk across the river, out of town, and up into the cliffs. It's a short trek, but worth it. Check out the website for information on visiting times. We went during the off season, but were lucky to catch a demonstration of one of the many catapults they have on display in the courtyard as you enter the castle. There is supposed to be a display of torture devices, and while there were a few, I think that either it was shut down for the season, as we went through the turn style without having to pay, or, it was under renovation. We climbed up the tower (which it appears you typically have to pay for, but for some reason there was no ability to pay - you just walked up at the time), and from the top of the tower is a great view of the region. Also, one of the special surprises was that there is a medieval tavern on site. The food was really good! They also appear to put on shows at the castle during the open season. I would definitely go back.