Don’t leave Saillon without visiting its medieval village and its many historical treasures! Stroll through its narrow streets and climb the Bayart Tower for a spectacular view.
Built around 1000 AD, the medieval village is one of the best preserved in Switzerland, surrounded by a rampart with four gates. Saillon was even awarded the “Most beautiful villages in Switzerland” label in 2013. It’s true that, during the summer months, the restaurant terraces that flourish here are reminiscent of southern Italy!
Buildings that bear witness to the past
In the centre of the village, a number of buildings that were due to be demolished were renovated in 1970 by the Stella Helvetica company. The Museum of Counterfeit Money is now housed here, and its collections are divided into three sections: genuine money, counterfeit money and the history of Farinet.
The municipal building used to be a school. A beautiful wrought-iron sign on the façade has stood the test of time. Two other historic buildings are well worth a visit: the Caveau de Saillon, with its vaulted cellar, and the Maison du Marbre.
The Bayart Tower, a reminder of the castle
Built in 1260, the Bayart Tower is the landmark of Saillon. It is 19 metres high and can be reached from the top by an internal staircase. From up there, a 360-degree panorama unfolds before your eyes.
A medieval-inspired garden as a research centre
Sainte-Catherine church also contains a number of must-see treasures, such as the marble altars from Saillon and the mural paintings by Paul Monnier. A medieval-inspired garden surrounds and perfumes the area around the church. It features a number of plant varieties used during the Middle Ages. It’s a dynamic place, as well as a centre for research and adaptation to climate change.
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:
