Valaisans

Valaisans are the inhabitants of the Swiss canton of Valais (French: Valais; German: Wallis). The canton is located in southwestern Switzerland, spanning the Alps from the Jura foothills to the Rhône valley, and it borders France to the west and Italy to the south. The capital is Sion. The population is distributed across two linguistic regions: the German-speaking Upper Valais (Oberwallis) in the north and the French-speaking Lower Valais (Unterwallis) in the south, with Valaisan German and Valaisan French and their local dialects used in daily life. The canton is officially bilingual, reflecting its cross-l Alpine heritage.

Historical and political context has shaped Valaisan identity. The Valais has a history of alpine communes and separate valleys, and it joined the Swiss Confederation in the early 19th century. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, including parts of the Pennine Alps, the Rhône river corridor, and iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn nearby.

Valaisans are widely associated with wine and agriculture. Valais is Switzerland’s leading wine region, producing varieties such as Fendant (Chasselas), Petite Arvine, Cornalin, and other white and red wines. The valley floor also supports fruit cultivation, including apricots and apples. Tourism is another major sector, with resorts like Zermatt and Verbier drawing visitors for skiing, mountaineering, and hikers, while the region’s hydroelectric infrastructure, notably the Grande Dixence Dam, contributes to national energy supply.

Culturally, Valaisans preserve distinct alpine customs, cuisine and dialects, including cheese specialties and cured meats, alongside a modern, multilingual society integrated into the Swiss federation.