Valais

Valais, or the Canton of Valais (French: Valais; German: Wallis; Italian: Vallese), is a canton in southwestern Switzerland. It lies along the Rhône valley from Lake Geneva in the north to the Simplon Pass and the Italian border in the south. The capital is Sion. The canton is officially bilingual, with French spoken in most areas and a German-speaking minority in the east; both languages have official status.

Geography and landscape are dominated by the Alps. The Rhône River runs through the valley from its alpine sources to Lake Geneva, flanked by high peaks in the Pennine and Lepontine ranges. Notable mountains include the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. The terrain ranges from sun-exposed wine terraces in the lower valleys to glaciers and alpine passes at higher elevations. The region is renowned for its scenic rail routes and bright, sunny climate in many valleys.

Economy and culture rely heavily on tourism and wine production. Ski resorts such as Zermatt, Verbier, Crans-Montana, and Leukerbad attract visitors year round for winter sports and spa facilities. In addition to tourism, agriculture remains important, especially the cultivation of wine and fruits on terraced slopes. Valais wines, including white and red varieties, are a distinctive regional product and account for a significant share of Switzerland’s wine output.

History and administration follow a long alpine-and-Rhône valley tradition. The area has ancient roots dating to Roman times and joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815. It is divided into districts with Sion as the capital and major towns including Sierre and Martigny. Notable transport routes connect Valais to Italy via the Great St Bernard and Simplon Passes, reinforcing its historical role as a cross‑Alpine link.