Les Mayens-de-Sion: A Valais mountain village with a history

Les Mayens-de-Sion is a Valais mountain village at an altitude of 1,200 metres above the Rhône Valley. It lies about five kilometres below Veysonnaz in the direction of Sion and offers magnificent views. Its local history brings together centuries-old larch trees and a wooded setting with historic chalets, chapels and an early hotel tradition. If you are planning a hotel stay in Valais, its location and cultural character both help put the destination into context.

An early hotel history

Les Mayens-de-Sion opened up to tourism in the second half of the 19th century; at first, tourism was limited to summer. The first hotel was built in 1880 by the de Torrenté family. Around 1900, the village had five hotels and about 250 beds. These details illustrate two aspects of the village’s history: the establishment of a single hotel and the later scale of the hotel industry around 1900. Together, they provide a timeframe for the mountain village’s tourism development.

Chapels and architectural heritage

The Chapelle de la Visitation was built in 1680 and dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bon Conseil dates from 1770, and the Chapelle Sainte-Anne from 1878. These construction dates span almost two centuries and make the long succession of religious buildings in the village easy to follow. Chapels set in the forest shape the historic character of Les Mayens-de-Sion; historic chalets add to its architectural heritage. The Protestant Chapel was built in 1901 and is considered the oldest Reformed place of worship in the canton.

A later chapter in the story of the Chapelle de la Visitation came in 2000, when the Bourgeoisie de Sion assumed patronage and carried out extensive restoration and renovation work. The chapel thus combines an early construction date with a much later period of preservation. Mass is celebrated at the Chapelle de la Visitation on Saturdays in July and August; check the current schedule before your visit.

Woodland scenery and activities

The landscape of Les Mayens-de-Sion includes centuries-old larch trees. The area is heavily wooded and considered an unspoilt natural landscape; it also has an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. One specifically named route follows the Bisse de Vex from Veysonnaz to Les Mayens-de-Sion. It is described as shady and pleasant, and suitable for families with strollers. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The route along the Bisse de Vex is a specifically described trail between two named places; the trail network, by contrast, offers a wider choice of hiking and mountain biking routes in the area. In Les Mayens des Plans, there are two tennis courts at Place des Fêtes. If you plan to use the courts, it is a good idea to check their current status before your visit.

Exploring the surrounding area

Nearby is Sion, an episcopal city with a charming old town. This adds another kind of setting to the picture: Les Mayens-de-Sion is a mountain village high above the valley, with woodland and chapels, while Sion offers an urban setting and its old town. This helps you weigh the mountain village’s historic and natural character against the neighbouring urban environment.

For a broader travel overview: Les Agettes.