Valais: Let's hear it for the summer

The Mountains of Switzerland

Peaks of perfection

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Valais deep, mountain high

Up where you belong

Living the high life

The kids are all right

A feast for the senses

Let's hear it for the summer

Must-see destinations of The Valais

How to get there

External link

www.MySwitzerland.com

Zen Week – Saas-Fee
Could you imagine a more sublime situation in which to meditate? This week-long course, led by Master Michel Bovay, will take place from12-19 October. For more details, visit www.saas-fee.ch/zen

The Way to Freedom – Zermatt
This "philosophical" walking trail follows the highest hiking path in the Alps from Rothorn to Oberrothorn (about a one-hour climb). The walk highlights the significance of nature and minerals to the development of the human mind and spirit.

Fairy Tale Cablecar
Take the cablecar from Fiesch to Eggishorn. Local storytellers will woo children with fabulous tales of local folklore. Once you have arrived, there is a gentle walk back down the mountain to the village. Suitable for children over 5.

Alpine Golf – Saas-Fee
A 9-hole golf course, open from July to October, set amid the splendour of the Alps.

Verbier Festival and Academy
From 19 July-4 August. A beautiful setting in which to hear world-class performances of Brahms and Berlioz under the direction of James Levine.

Gianadda Foundation - Martigny
Outdoor art exhibitions, including a display by Berthe Morisot from 20 June-19 November. There is also a fantastic collection of vintage cars.

Comics Festival - Sierre
Live entertainment and comedy from 30 May-2 June, as the town hosts its 19th festival.

Great Lake Night Festival - Le Bouveret
Right on the shores of Lake Geneva is the place to be on 31 July – a wonderful location to enjoy a warm summer night with a concert performance, fireworks display and entertainment until the early hours of the morning.

Cow-fighting Festivals - throughout the region
These festivals celebrate the importance of the cow to the Valais, as the females fight for dominance within the herd. None of the animals comes to any harm as they push against one another in a test of strength.

Wine Week - Varen
Sample a choice of local wines in a "typical" Valais village near Leukerbad from 15-21 September during the harvest. The programme includes special excursions, hikes, an exploration of the culture of wine – and, of course, tastings.