The former capital and religious centre of the entire Val d'Anniviers, Vissoie is not a winter sports resort, so this large village is much less well-known than Grimentz, Chandolin or Zinal, but it is well worth a visit.

It's the crossroads of all the valley's destinations, so whether you're travelling by car or postbus, you're bound to pass here. Take the time to stop and visit - you won't regret it!

As in the rest of the Val d'Anniviers (Anniviers Valley), the inhabitants used to farm in the mountains while growing vines on the plains. They were seasonal nomads, and this way of life continued until around 1950.

The village has retained many traces of its past, especially as the carriageable road linking it to the plain was not built until 1863!

In the centre of the village, the Anniviers Tower, built in the 13th century, is a reminder that Vissoie was once the centre of the "vidomnat" of Anniviers, in other words the seat of temporal power delegated by the Bishop of Sion.

This beautiful tower, acquired and renovated by the Municipality of Anniviers, now houses three exhibition rooms and a small auditorium run by the ACTA cultural association.

Useful links

Swiss Canton of Valais (iSwitzerland Guide) - Wikipedia