Discover Vex: Tour Tavelli, Bisses and Churches
Accommodation in Vex
Vex offers several clearly distinct themes to explore as you plan your trip: the architectural history of Tour Tavelli and Saint-Sylve, historic irrigation channels, as well as trails and seasonal activities. If you are looking for hotels in Vex, this overview can help you match the destination to your interests.
History and landmarks in Vex
Archaeological finds dating from the Middle Neolithic and Early Bronze Age have been discovered at Tour Tavelli. Graves from the Roman period, containing bracelets, were also uncovered near the present-day village; the finds are held at the Archaeological Museum. The fortified Tour Tavelli was built around 1200, destroyed around 1450 and restored in 1997. The octagonal defensive tower is considered the only known example of its kind in the military architecture of 13th-century Valais, and possibly even Switzerland. Historically, it was used to control the route from Combioulaz to neighbouring settlements.
The churches of Saint-Sylve also represent different periods of construction. The first Romanesque church was built at the end of the 11th century; the nave of the Ancienne église Saint-Sylve dates from the 11th century. Its square Gothic choir dates from 1498. A 16th-century mural depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. The new church of Saint-Sylve dates from 1962 and uses wood and stone as its main building materials. This site therefore brings together Romanesque and Gothic forms with a much more recent church building.
Other historic buildings add to the picture: La Majorie was the residence of the major, an official of the cathedral chapter of Sion. The Pont de Riva is a stone arch bridge with a span of ten metres; it was probably built around 1865.
Irrigation channels and trails
The Grand Bisse de Vex was created in 1453 by farmers from the region to carry water from the Printze to the farmland of the municipality of Vex. Following restoration work in 2001, its route is now a popular hiking trail. The Chemin du Grand Bisse de Vex is an easy walking route of around eight kilometres, starting and ending in Les-Mayens-de-Sion. The stated walking time is approximately one hour and 40 minutes. This comfortable forest trail follows an irrigation bisse and passes through dense larch and spruce forests, small clearings and viewpoints overlooking the plain.
Another watercourse, the Bisse de la Muraz, is thought to be the oldest irrigation channel in Val d’Hérens. Its tourist trail is eight kilometres long and follows the channel in places through alpine pastures, forests and the resort of Les Collons. The Bisse de Fang offers a different landscape: its approximately 7.5-kilometre route passes through hay meadows and deciduous and spruce forests, ending at Vex. The details on length, scenery and endpoint help distinguish these named trails without suggesting that they form a single route.
Landscape and seasonal activities
A total of 81 springs rise at Combioûla, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 26 degrees; three of them have a greater flow. The lower Borgne valley is known for its diverse large-animal population, including numerous deer that spend the winter there. These natural features complement the historical perspective with a focus on water and wildlife.
Thyon offers two beginner areas for snow sports. The Petit Vallon zone has two free conveyor belts. The Thyon ski area is also connected to a network that includes Thyon-Région, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz, Verbier and Bruson, with more than 82 cable cars and lifts and 412 kilometres of pistes.
Seasonal activities include guided via ferrata excursions run by Hérens-Outdoor in Vex to routes in Nax and Evolène, listed for the period from 30 May to 30 October. Visitors to the Alpage de Thyon in Thyon, Vex, can sample local products such as Tomme, Sérac or milk. As part of the Monde du cheval activity at Ranch Le Caribou, children can care for horses and ponies on request and under Julia’s supervision. As the availability of seasonal activities may vary, check the specific dates and conditions before your trip.
A tourist office is located at Rue des Collons 5, CH-1988 Les Collons, Vex.
Discover more destinations: Vernamiège, Nax, Eison, Evolène, Les Masses, Saint-Martin Vs.
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