Saillon Castle is a medieval ruin whose surviving Bayart Tower stands on a rocky hill above the Rhône Valley. You walk up through the fortified village, then climb the tower to the top for the view.
Ruins
Saillon Castle
Main highlights
- The Bayart Tower, a keep 19 m high and 10 m in diameter, built in 1260
- A climb inside the tower via a staircase set into the thickness of the wall, all the way to the top
- A view over the Rhône Valley, from Sion to Martigny, from the top of the tower
Overview
In the Middle Ages, Saillon Castle formed the heart of an enclosure that included a fortified village and a keep, the Bayart Tower. Count Peter of Savoy, who sought to establish a firm foothold in Valais, had this tower built within the castrum. It takes its name from a Lady Bayart, who owned the land.
First set on fire by Valais troops, the castle was completely destroyed in 1475, when the town was captured by the Upper Valais. Only the tower survives. Today it rises above the village rooftops on the right bank of the Rhône.
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What to see and do
The main activity is climbing the tower. An iron staircase leads to the door level, then a staircase built into the thickness of the wall takes you to the top. From there, the view stretches across the whole valley, from Sion to Martigny, revealing the castle’s strategic position for controlling the Rhône Valley.
Outside, look for the narrow arrow slits, the raised doorway and the putlog holes from the scaffolding, arranged in a spiral. These details illustrate 13th-century military building techniques. The ground floor of the keep housed a cistern, while the upper floors contained living quarters with fireplaces.
The way up to the tower runs through the lanes of the medieval village, where you can discover traditional Valais architecture and remains of the old fortifications.
Practical information
Access : Saillon is located in Valais, between Martigny and Sion. A signposted path leads to the castle from the village centre, a 10 to 15-minute walk.
On site : admission to the site is free. Parking is available in the village.
Visitors : the surroundings are accessible to all; climbing the tower is not recommended for people prone to vertigo.
Visiting tips
Wear non-slip shoes. The interior staircase can be damp and its steps are uneven, so climb carefully.
If you would rather not climb to the top, the village and the area around the tower are still well worth a visit.
Nearby
- The Bains de Saillon, at the foot of the medieval village, is a thermal spa dedicated to relaxation.
- The Farinet Museum of Counterfeit Money, in the heart of the village, displays counterfeit coins and tells the story of Farinet.
- The Farinet Footbridge spans the Salentze gorge at a height of 136 m.
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