Valais Canton in Switzerland. Sion is the capital. Bordering on France
and Italy, the Valais extends from the Bernese Alps in the north to the Pennine
Alps in the south, with the fertile upper Rhone valley between them. It has some
of the highest peaks ; Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Dom, and Weisshorn in
Switzerland.
The mountain tops seem closer to reaching the heavens than anything else on
earth. The Rhone River is like a blue ribbon, fed by numerous tributaries that
emerge from steep valleys. In Goms, the river is wild, in the lower Valais,
gentle. It flows past mountain villages of sun-scorched houses, past towns where
ancient history and modern impulses combine, past orchards and vineyards, until,
well tamed, it enters Lake Geneva. In short, it is a landscape of opposites; of
steep rock faces and soaring Alps; of German and French; of northern and
Mediterranean flair.
There are paths with panoramic views, cross-country ski trails and toboggan
runs down valleys and across hills. In this crystalline landscape, snow-covered
woods under brilliant winter-blue skies alternate with age-blackened wooden
houses - treasures lovingly tended and preserved. The wide range of winter
sports available reflects the variety of this unique stretch of country.
The Valais is still a wild and little-known place outside the trio of famous
resorts bred by the mountains: Zermatt, Verbier and Crans - Montana. Few
outsiders bother to penetrate the deep rural side valleys either side of the
single road and rail line that runs along the valley floor – though those who
do make the effort find plenty of long-distance hiking and adventure sports of
all kinds. The only town of any size is the cantonal capital Sion, with a
low-key, easygoing atmosphere and a handful of sights. In the northernmost
extremities of the region, an area of Vaud known as Haut - Leman occupies the
east bank of the Rhone just before it flows into Lake Geneva and shares the
mountainous scenery of Valais Romand.
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