Les Mayens-de-Sion

Les Mayens-de-Sion is a collection of hamlets and chalets scattered across the hillside above Sion, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Sitting at an altitude of roughly 1,300 to 1,600 metres, the area offers views over the Rhône valley and the surrounding peaks. Traditionally, these "mayens" served as intermediate mountain pastures where valley residents would move with their livestock in spring and autumn, before higher summer grazing; many of these former agricultural chalets have since been converted into holiday homes. The area is now a popular starting point for summer hiking, with a network of marked trails winding through larch forests and alpine meadows. In winter, the surroundings are suited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a quieter alternative to the larger Valais resorts nearby. Its proximity to Sion, the cantonal capital, provides easy access to shops, the railway station and main road links. The dry, sunny Valais climate brings varying snow cover depending on the winter, alongside summers well suited to outdoor pursuits. It's a fitting spot for a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, away from urban bustle.