Ardon Vs: Cultural History, Winegrowing and Nature
Accommodation in Ardon Vs
Church art in Ardon-Magnot, Roman finds, vineyards and the Marais d’Ardon reveal different sides of Ardon Vs. The places and landscapes offer a variety of themes, so a stay need not be limited to just one of them.
Church and Roman history
The church of Ardon-Magnot is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. Its Gothic bell tower stands beside a Neo-Gothic nave and a Neo-Gothic choir dating from the late 19th century. The original stained-glass windows have been preserved inside; other features include an early 15th-century Gothic crucifix, a statue of the Virgin and Child, and a Baroque baptismal font. The church is open to visitors. An audio and visual information system in French, German and English, along with two explanatory panels, complement the visit. Check local access arrangements in advance.
Roman finds are also part of the area’s history. In 1894, two votive altars were discovered north of the church of Saint-Jean, one dedicated to Jupiter and the other to Mercury. Excavations at the church of Saint-Jean and in its immediate surroundings uncovered further Roman remains from 1959 onwards. These are interpreted as part of a larger complex of a villa rustica.
Château du Crest and the landscape
The medieval Château du Crest was built on the heights of Isières above Ardon, overlooking the Rhône plain. The structure included a 23-metre-high keep and two towers, each about 13 metres high. The château had been in ruins since 1384 and was finally dismantled in 1475. The recorded dimensions give an idea of the scale of the complex at the time; its history is also linked to Isières’ elevated location.
The Marais d’Ardon offers a different landscape focus. A nature trail and an observation point provide opportunities to observe numerous animal and plant species. The wetland of Ardon and Chamoson has been protected since 2005. It is one of the few remaining wetland habitats in the Rhône plain and plays a special role in conserving the animal and plant biodiversity associated with it.
The Einzon alpine pasture offers a contrast: it covers 98 hectares and lies at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,000 metres, beneath the foothills of the Haut-de-Cry between Mont à Cavouère and Le Cheval. Isières above Ardon also tells a story of a changing landscape. The area was once reserved for grazing livestock and characterised by alpine chalets; today it is a sunny vineyard surrounded by deciduous trees and coniferous forests.
Wine trail and seasonal places
The wine trail is open year-round and runs for 11.2 kilometres from Ardon through the vineyards of VĂ©troz and Conthey. Bilingual information panels in French and German explain the variety of grape varieties grown here. Local conditions may affect the route. The trail thus links the wine-growing landscape with information about the vines cultivated there.
The restored Itre du Bouis was once used for making cheese and as a sleeping and kitchen space. Today, it is open to hikers passing through in summer. If you plan a seasonal visit, check local access information before travelling.
Walking is another way to discover local sights. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up the different highlights: church art and archaeological finds, the history of Château du Crest, winegrowing, or the animal and plant life of the wetland. This lets you tailor your visit to Ardon Vs to the subjects that interest you most during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Nendaz, VĂ©troz, Chamoson, Conthey
Back to the broader travel overview: Conthey.
