Riddes between the RhĂ´ne, vineyards and hiking trails
Accommodation in Riddes
If you are looking for a hotel in Riddes, your travel interests can help shape your plans: the municipality combines orchards and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône with hiking trails, wine tastings and cultural attractions. Its landscape stretches from the valley floor to Mont Gelé at 3,023 metres. Riddes therefore offers both impressions of the valley and a route climbing towards Isérables.
Hiking trails and scenery
La Voie des Érables starts at Pied du Mont in Riddes and winds uphill to the village of Isérables. Along the way, the trail passes through meadows and along forest edges, with apricot orchards nearby. The route also offers views of the Rhône Valley. From Isérables, twelve information panels describe the history and natural environment of the area. If you enjoy combining a hike with scenic views and information about the region, you can find both along this clearly described route.
The road cycling routes also differ: the Aproz route follows the left bank of the RhĂ´ne from Riddes to Aproz. The Vignobles, villages et vergers route passes through Riddes. This makes it easy to see whether you want a route with the stated endpoints or one that goes through the village. Road and route conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Culture and history in Riddes
The Church of Saint-Laurent was consecrated in 1701. Excavations at the church uncovered the remains of a Romanesque church, probably corresponding to the building mentioned in written records in 1153. Archaeological finds in Riddes attest to several phases of settlement, from the Bronze Age to the present. A more recent discovery adds to this long history: in 2019, work on a district heating system uncovered the remains of an old residential quarter, probably dating from between the Middle Ages and the modern era.
The Cure de Riddes is also part of the local historical landscape; it has been protected as a cantonal historical monument since 1984. La Vidondée is listed in the Valais inventory of cultural property and serves as a cultural centre hosting concerts and performances. If you want to plan your trip around a specific cultural event, check the event dates in advance.
Wine, cuisine and regional events
The Le VerreMaye winery’s wine shop offers tastings from five wine ranges. These include wines made from typical Valais grape varieties such as Amigne, Heida, Johannisberg, Syrah and Cornalin. This selection is part of a landscape in which vineyards are one of Riddes’ defining features.
The menu at Ă” Fondue Caquelon features traditional and unusual fondues, as well as raclette made with seasonal ingredients. The offerings also include an adjoining grocery shop, a boutique, workshops and themed events. Philfruits has a snack bar, a playground, farm animals and a sunny terrace. Fruit and vegetables are grown there, and fruit juices, jams, spirits and liqueurs are made. The local experiences range from tastings and regional products to visits featuring the on-site amenities described above.
The Foire de Riddes takes place every two years in autumn, in even-numbered years. It showcases craftsmanship, the processing of natural products and the trade in authentic goods. The FĂŞte de la pomme is also held every two years. As these events are not annual, check the event calendar if either festival is important to your trip.
Getting there and connections to Isérables
You can reach Riddes by train from Geneva or Brig; from the station, it is then a few hundred metres on foot to the cable car. The station is on the Martigny–Sion CFF line. For directions to the cable car, the walk from Riddes station takes five to ten minutes. The Riddes–Isérables cable car connects Riddes with the municipality of Isérables. From the upper station in Isérables, it is another 250 metres on foot to the Musée d’Isérables.
By car, take motorway exit 24 Riddes/Saillon/Chamoson/Leytron, then follow the cantonal road towards the village of Riddes. A PostBus also runs from the Riddes–Isérables connection to the holiday resort of La Tzoumaz, which can also be reached by road. Check the current train and cable car timetables before travelling if you are planning your connection around them.
Discover more destinations: La Tzoumaz, Fully, Leytron, Isérables, Arbarey, Martigny, Martigny-Combe, Saxon.
For the overview of the wider region: Martigny.
