Don’t leave Saillon without visiting its medieval fortifications and its many historical treasures! Stroll through its narrow streets and walk up to the Bayart Tower for a spectacular view.
Built around 1000 AD and surrounded by a rampart with four gates, the medieval castle keep is amongst the best preserved in Switzerland. Saillon was even named one of the “Most beautiful villages in Switzerland” in 2013. It’s true that the restaurant terraces that flourish here during the summer months call to mind southern Italy!
Buildings that bear witness to the past
The centre of the fortified quarter contains a number of buildings that were scheduled for demolition, but were instead renovated in 1970 by the Stella Helvetica association. It’s where you’ll find the Counterfeit Money Museum, whose collections revolve around three themes: genuine money, counterfeit money and the story of Farinet.
The municipal building used to house a school. A fine-looking wrought-iron sign on the facade has stood the test of time. Two other historic buildings are well worth closer inspection: the Caveau de Saillon with its vaulted cellar, and the Maison du Marbre.
The Bayart Tower, remains of the castle
Erected in 1260, the Bayart Tower is the landmark of Saillon. Standing 19 metres tall, it contains a staircase accessible to the public. From its summit, the visitor is afforded a 360-degree panorama.
A medieval garden as a research resource
Saint Catherine’s church also contains a number of must-see treasures, such as Saillon marble altars and murals by Paul Monnier. Surrounding the church is a sweet-smelling, medieval-inspired garden containing some of the species of plants used during the Middle Ages. It’s a dynamic place – a resource used for research and for studying climate change adaptation.
Practical info
Parking your vehicle
Park your vehicle in one of the free car parks:
- Place des Remparts, at the rear of the village of Saillon
- Place Farinet, at the foot of the village
- Bains de Saillon
Getting here by public transport
Take the 311 bus from Martigny CFF, Riddes CFF or Sion CFF stations to the Saillon Collombeyres stop. Walk 10-15 minutes to the village.
Restaurants in the village
Organise a guided tour
Several guided tours are available in the village, depending on the theme that interests you: the history of the village, the medieval garden, the marble house or the museum of counterfeit money.
Download our audio guide
Download the Saillon app and watch the videos of the “trace of the past” walk to discover the history of the village:
