Les Agettes: Cultural Heritage and Mountain Scenery

Les Agettes is close to the Rhône plain and its facilities, as well as the mountain area, the de l’Ours gondola lift and the tourist attractions of Veysonnaz. The villages of Les Agettes overlook the Rhône plain and offer views of the Bernese Alps. Different themes can guide your travel planning: architectural history, protected landscapes and sporting connections. If you are looking for hotels in Les Agettes, you can choose your destination based on whether you are particularly interested in culture, scenery or routes.

Chapel and Architectural History

The Chapelle de la Visitation was built in 1680 and dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. A sacristy was added in the 18th century, followed by a small bell tower in the 20th century. The stained-glass windows bear the signature of Richard Seewald; the coat of arms of the de Platea-de Riedmatten couple is carved into the entrance door. The different phases of construction and the details on the glass and door give the building several distinct historical and artistic connections. In the cantonal inventory of cultural property, as of 1 January 2024, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Visitation is listed under Sion (Les Agettes) with a B rating.

Bisses and Protected Landscapes

The Bisse de Salins dates back to 1435, is of cantonal importance and is protected in the zoning plan of the municipality of Les Agettes. From La Vernaz, you can reach it via a path that begins south of the church, near the cemetery. From the village of Les Agettes, you can also reach Mayens-de-Salins and the large Bisse de Vex. A walk can be a way to discover the region’s cultural treasures; ask locally about the specific options available.

The protected agricultural zone preserves orchards, hay meadows, relatively extensively used pastures, dry grasslands, remains of bisses, hedges and dry-stone walls. Landscape protection areas safeguard sites for their scenic beauty, rarity, cultural significance or recreational value. The two forms of protection have different emphases: the agricultural zone identifies specific landscape features, while the criteria for landscape protection areas explain which values are decisive for protection.

Routes and Sporting History

The Thyon–Sion mountain bike route descends through Les Agettes and Salins, alternating between mountain-bike trails and roads. Technical conditions and access regulations for this route may change; check them before setting out. The Veysonnaz–Vex–Les Agettes loop has a different focus: after a more technically demanding section, it passes through the orchards of Misériez, via Pradurant and on to the bend in the cantonal road at Les Agettes. The route descriptions make it possible to compare their specific features without assuming walking or riding times. The Piste de l’Ours is also part of the region’s sporting history: it has hosted Ski World Cup races as well as numerous European and Swiss championships.

Racl’Agettes and Regional Produce

Racl’Agettes has been held for 22 years on the last Saturday in September. Visitors can sample nine alpine cheeses as they please. The format includes a wooden plate, wooden cutlery, a tasting glass, a pepper mill and a jar of cornichons. This connects the cheese tasting with the specific elements of the tasting format. As event details can change, check the date and arrangements for the relevant event before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Les Mayens-De-Sion, Nax, Vex, Eison, Vernamiège, Evolène, Mase, Vex.

Return to the main travel overview: Hérens.