Valère and Tourbillon in Sion: two castles to explore with the family

Two Medieval Castles Facing Each Other Above Sion

Few cities offer a backdrop as spectacular as Sion. In the heart of Valais, two rocky hills rise side by side, each topped with its castle: Valère and Tourbillon. The former houses a fortified basilica and the Valais History Museum; the latter reveals the ruins of an episcopal castle built around 1300 by the Bishop of Sion. Climbing these paths from the old town, your children will transition in just a few minutes from the 21st century to the Middle Ages, with a breathtaking view of the Rhône plain and the vineyards. It's one of the most beautiful heritage walks in French-speaking Switzerland, and it's experienced as a family.

What Your Children Will Discover

On the Valère hill, the basilica hides a rare treasure: the oldest playable organ in the world, an instrument from the 15th century. The Valais History Museum, located in the fortified medieval village, tells 5000 years of the region's history through its rooms, objects, and viewpoints. Across the way, Tourbillon offers a completely different experience: its open-air ruins can be explored freely, among remnants of ramparts, a chapel, and the silhouette of the former residence of the prince-bishops. Children love to imagine knights and lookouts perched atop the rock.

What to Do There and the Atmosphere

The ascent is part of the adventure: you climb on foot via paths and stairs, catch your breath, and the reward is at the top. At Valère, the atmosphere is calm and heritage-focused, ideal for a more leisurely visit to the museum and basilica. At Tourbillon, it's all about fresh air and freedom: you wander among the ruins, observe the valley, and picnic with an unbeatable view. Many families combine both hills in the same outing or choose one based on the children's ages and the day's mood.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from about 4 years old, as long as the children walk well (the climb requires some effort).
• Duration: plan for 1 to 1.5 hours per hill; half a day to do both at a leisurely pace.
• Price: Tourbillon is free entry. For the Valais History Museum at Valère: adults 8 CHF, children 6-16 years 4 CHF, family 16 CHF; free on the first weekend of each month (prices to be confirmed on the official website).
• Reservation: not necessary for wandering; guided tours are available (to be booked in advance, info on the official website).
• Stroller/Accessibility: limited. Access is via cobbled streets and stairs; strollers are not recommended and access is difficult for people with reduced mobility.
• Transport: about 25 minutes on foot from the Sion CFF train station; urban buses nearby; parking in the city (car access is prohibited in the old town).
• What to Bring: good walking shoes, water, a hat in summer, and a picnic if you wish.
• Ideal Season: Valère can be visited year-round; Tourbillon is only open in good weather, approximately from mid-March to mid-November.

Parents' Tips

• Bring good shoes: the climb and cobbled paths are more comfortable this way.
• With young children, choose only one hill to avoid overloading the outing.
• Bring water and a snack; it gets hot on the rocks in summer.
• Tourbillon is great for a picnic with a view: take advantage of the nice days.
• Check before you leave if Tourbillon is open (closed in winter) and the hours of the Valère museum.

Useful Information

• Address: Rue des Châteaux, 1950 Sion (medieval village of Valère; Tourbillon on the neighboring hill).
• Official Website: https://siontourisme.ch/fr/les-chateaux
• Hours: Valère Museum open year-round (Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm from October to May; daily 11am-6pm from June to September; closed on January 1 and December 25). Tourbillon open approximately from March 15 to November 15 (11am-5pm at the beginning and end of the season, 10am-6pm from May to September); hours to be confirmed on the official website.
• Access: about 25 minutes on foot from the Sion CFF train station; parking in the city.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Sion. And for more ideas, check out our guide to castles to visit with family in French-speaking Switzerland.

Why We Recommend It

Because it's a two-in-one outing, both fun and cultural, in a spectacular setting. Your children run through castle ruins, discover the oldest playable organ in the world, and enjoy a unique panorama of Valais, all accessible on foot from the train station. A true dive into history, without screens and in the great outdoors.

In a Nutshell

Two castles perched above Sion, one with a museum and basilica open year-round, the other in ruins freely accessible in good weather: a family getaway between history and panorama.