The old village of Grimentz: stepping back in time as a family
Fancy strolling through one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland? In Grimentz, blackened wooden raccards, lanes overflowing with geraniums and centuries-old chalets tell of life in the old days. Guided tours reveal the Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill and the cellars of the Vin du Glacier.
One of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland
In the heart of the Val d'Anniviers, Grimentz has kept its old-world soul: raccards (wooden storehouses) on stone stilts, larch chalets blackened by the sun, narrow lanes overflowing with red geraniums. Strolling through the old village is already a journey back in time. To go further, guided tours open the doors of emblematic places: the Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill and the cellars of the Bourgeoisie. A lively discovery of Valais heritage, to enjoy as a family all year round.
What your children will discover
Children wander between the old raccards and imagine the life of the mountain folk of long ago. At the Maison de Grand-Maman (a house furnished as in olden days, dating from the 16th century), they discover how people lived, cooked and slept. At the restored mill, they understand how grain was ground. A heritage you can touch and that tells its story, at a child's level.
What you do and the atmosphere on site
You stroll freely through the lanes, then follow a guided tour (booking at the tourist office). The atmosphere is authentic and warm. The Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill (over 300 years old, restored after the 1999 mudflow) and the Bourgeoisie house with its cellar of the famous Vin du Glacier make up a lovely journey through the village's history.
Before you go
- Recommended age: as a family from age 4-5
- To see: the old village (free), the Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill, the Caves Blanches / Bourgeoisie house
- Guided tours: by booking at the tourist office (Maison de Grand-Maman free with the Pass Anniviers Liberté)
- Price: free stroll; guided tours depending on the programme
- Getting there: in the heart of Grimentz; postbus from Sierre
- Best season: all year round
Parents' tips
- Strolling through the old village is free at any time.
- For the guided tours, book at the tourist office.
- With the Pass Anniviers Liberté, the Maison de Grand-Maman is free.
- Look up at the raccards and geraniums: a treat for photos.
- Combine it with another village activity (mini-golf, playground, pump track).
Useful information
- Location: old village of Grimentz
- Official website: valdanniviers.ch
- Guided tours: Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill, Caves Blanches (by booking)
- Price: village free; tours depending on the programme (Pass Anniviers Liberté)
- Getting there: postbus from Sierre; parking nearby
Why we recommend it
Because it's a lively immersion in Valais heritage: one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, with its raccards and flower-filled lanes, and guided tours that make the old stones speak. An authentic culture outing, to share as a family all year round.
In a nutshell
The old village of Grimentz, one of the most beautiful in Switzerland: raccards, flower-filled lanes and guided tours (Maison de Grand-Maman, mill, cellars) — a journey back in time as a family.
Frequently asked questions
Is visiting the village paid?
What is the Maison de Grand-Maman?
Is it suitable for children?
Do you need to book the guided tours?
When can you come?
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What else is there to see?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Grimentz
Valais
Vieux village, 3961 Grimentz
Contact
WebsiteNearby
Nearby activities
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Fancy a playful nature walk starting from Grimentz? The Animal Trail links Grimentz to St-Jean by getting you to guess the mountain animals: footprints to recognise, silhouettes hidden in the forest and riddles on the panels. An easy trail, perfect with children.
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Fancy a round of mini-golf in the mountains? In Grimentz, a course awaits families in the heart of the village, with a view over the old chalets. A simple, friendly activity, free with the Pass Anniviers Liberté, perfect between two walks.
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Fancy lacing up your skates as a family this winter? In Grimentz, a natural ice rink sets up in the heart of the village, with free, open access. Open-air skating in a mountain setting, with curling and 'Curl'Charlette' to vary the fun.
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Fancy a thrilling family descent this winter above Grimentz? At Bendolla, the Snow Mountain Cart sends you down 5 km of snow-covered track, halfway between a kart and a sledge. Thrills guaranteed and a view of the Val d'Anniviers thrown in, for older children from age 11.
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