Leytron: Winegrowing, Humagne and Ovronnaz

Leytron combines winegrowing with cultural sites and activities on the upper slopes of the municipality. The vineyards shape the character of the area, and Ovronnaz, a thermal spa and resort, is also part of the municipality. For those considering Leytron as a destination, this offers a range of themes to shape a stay—from wines and local history to hiking and winter sports.

Vineyards and wines of Valais

Leytron’s vineyards cover 268.8 hectares. They extend from 470 metres at Ravaney to 840 metres at Champ du Seigle. The underlying geology is also varied: it includes Rhône alluvium, the alluvial fans of Lozentse and Chenal, a clay-rich landslide, the Ardévaz rockfall and a glacial moraine of Aalenian shale. These names give an idea of the different geological areas found in the vineyards.

Humagne rouge is considered Leytron’s emblematic grape variety. The first bottle marketed under the name “Humagne rouge” was released in Leytron in 1946. Humagne blanc is grown exclusively in Valais; in Leytron, it covers approximately three hectares. Humagne Blanche de Leytron is also presented as a regional speciality.

The Domaine du Grand Brûlé covers 12 hectares and grows 22 grape varieties, including Petite Arvine and Cornalin. The winery is located in the municipality of Leytron and has been owned by the Canton of Valais since 1918; the grape varieties grown may change. At L’Œnothèque, you can taste more than 250 wines from cellars between Martigny and Salgesch. 85 percent of the wines on offer are considered rare, and tastings are accompanied by Valais specialities. The wine selection may change.

Ovronnaz and the Alpage d’Odonne

Ovronnaz is located on the upper slopes of the municipality and is a thermal spa and resort. Activities mentioned there include skiing, thermal baths and hiking in both summer and winter. This makes it possible to combine Leytron’s winegrowing with a stay that also takes in the municipality’s higher-altitude areas.

The Alpage d’Odonne is a family-run alpine pasture renovated in 2024, at an altitude of 1,600 metres. It can be reached on foot in less than an hour from the Ovronnaz resort. On site, visitors can enjoy refreshments, buy products made on the farm and take part in cheese-making workshops. Another seasonal destination is the Mini zoo de Jorasse at 2,000 metres: in summer, visitors can see farm animals, and pony rides for children are offered in good weather. Operations also depend on the animals’ movements.

Trails through vineyards and landscapes

Leytron’s vineyards can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The Chemin du vignoble is a cantonally recognised route; the hiking trail is marked as route number 36. The Chemin du vignoble à pied runs between Fully, Saillon, Leytron and Chamoson. As route details may be updated seasonally, it is advisable to check the information before setting out.

A cycling route offering a different perspective on the landscape is the Ovronnaz/Mayens de Chamoson – Wallis Velo Tour route. It runs parallel to the Salentse through pastures and conifer forests; heading towards Ovronnaz, visitors can enjoy views of the Grand Muveran. The Via Farinetta passes through the Salentze gorges and provides access to the natural and cultural areas of the municipalities of Saillon and Leytron. Check access conditions before using the route. The Farinet suspension bridge crosses the Salentze gorge in the Leytron area.

Culture and getting there

The Ancienne Église Saint-Martin was founded around 1250 on an earlier Gallo-Roman site. Its bell tower dates from the 10th or 11th century and is classified as a historic monument. Founded in April 2024, the municipality’s new cultural commission is developing a cultural programme and once again using the Ancienne Église as a place for meetings and social gatherings. The “Li Brindèyeü dè Laïtron” society also contributes to local heritage: it preserves the patois through folkloric activities, as well as singing and patois activities.

Leytron can be reached by the Sion–Martigny postal bus route, via the Rhône motorway exit at Riddes, and from the train stations in Sion, Martigny or Riddes. Check current timetables and connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Ovronnaz, Martigny, Saillon, Martigny-Combe, Trient Vs, Arbarey, Fully, Isérables.

For the broader travel overview: Martigny.