Château d'Aigle, Valais
This is an extract from ©Know-it-all passport® 2011/2012 and all page numbers are referring to this edition. This section is taken from pages 84-85. See map here at reference square H4.
— Tourist Office
L’Association Touristique
Rue Colomb 5
1860 Aigle - Leysin
024 466 30 00
In the village, several historical sights can be visited, including the Church of St Maurice founded in 1138 (Eglise du Cloître) and rebuilt in the 15th century.
Around the village of Aigle, there are wine cellars to visit and wine-tasting organized by owners. There are also many walking paths through the vineyards.
The mini-train, Le P'tit Chablaisien, circulates on weekends in June, and daily in July and August, and will take you on a 50-minute trip with one of the stops being the Château. You can start at the Aigle train station if you want to park there. Note: Wine-tasting on-board for Fr. 5.-/person on Fridays in July and August for mini-trains leaving at 17h15 and 18h30; sign-up at the Tourist Office before noon. Click here for map of Aigle with the mini-train stops. Price without wine-tasting is Fr. 4.-/person, children up to age 9 free-of-charge.
— Centre Mondial du Cyclisme
Ch. de la Mêlée
1860 Aigle
024 468 58 85
Guided tour of a small museum dedicated to the history of the Tour de France. Free visit of the hall of fame. Groups welcome upon prior reservation.
Watch the atheletes cycling in the velodrome (wooden) at top speed! Or see them practicing their BMX bikes on the super olympic track.
Open weekdays 8h-19h, Saturday 9h-19h, Sunday 11h-19h. Restaurant on premises.
— Château d’Aigle and the Musée de la Vigne, du Vin et de l’Etiquette
Place du Château 1
1860 Aigle
024 466 21 30
Aigle Castle was built at the end of the 12th century and is situated in the middle of vineyards. It harbors a wine museum with old wine-making traditions and tools, as well as a terrific collection of wine labels. Note: It’s fun to go to Swiss Vapeur Parc (see page 93) in the morning through lunch (there is a mini Château d’Aigle there!), then drive over to the life-size Château d’Aigle in the afternoon (see photos at bottom of this page).
Price: Fr 11.-/adult, Fr. 5.-/age 6-16. Family package available. Wine-tasting available with a souvenir wine glass starting at Fr. 11.-/person in addition to the entry price. Open mid-March through October Tuesday to Friday 11h-18h; November to mid-March Tuesday to Friday 8h30-12h. Click here to see their special events page that includes wine-tasting every month on the 20th, caves ouvertes dates, and shows.
Don’t miss the CAV’AU VERRE every Tuesday from 16h15-18h15 between May 3 and October 25, 2011. This free wine-tasting and guided tour starts in front of the Château d’Aigle, no prior reservation needed. Alain Emery, a local wine-maker, will comment in French; English and German upon request.
The restaurant La Pinte du Paradis is open during the same dates as the Château and you will discover wonderful combinations of flavors and wines in a beautiful country setting with spectacular views.
— Mines de Sel de Bex
Rte des Mines de Bex
Le Bouillet
1880 Bex
024 463 03 30
Directions: A1 autoroute, A9 past Montreux, exit Bex.
Check out the history of a salt mine by means of a small train that penetrates the galleries. Note: Temperatures are cool all year-round so bring appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes (17°C/62°F). Picnic area on premises.
Open April, May, September, October from Tuesday to Sunday 9h45, 11h15, 14h15, and 15h45. Visits last about 1h45. June through August open daily 9h45, 11h45, 14h15, 15h45. Pre-booking recommended.
Price: Fr. 19.-/ adult, Fr. 12.-/age 5-15, special family and group rates. Reservation advisable.
Note: La Taverne du Dessaloir is the underground restaurant.
See page 193 for online shop selling herbed salts.
— Parc Aventure
Forêt du Fahy
1860 Aigle
024 466 30 30
Directions: A1 past Lausanne and Vevey to the A9, exit Aigle, direction Les Mosses.
14 trails of different levels from tree to tree up to 15m above ground!
Open May through October. Check website for times and opening dates. Price: Fr. 38.-/adult 16+, Fr. 33.-/students, Fr. 28.-/age 12-15, Fr. 23.-/age 8-11, Fr. 13.-/age 4-7, family rates available. Groups of 11+ are allowed upon reservation and it is possible to rent the park for groups of 20+ outside of normal opening hours. Price includes use of security equipment.
See page 119 for Parc Aventure Signal-de-Bougy and page 128 for Sion.
For lots more information on other great places to visit please go to pages 83-136 in Know-it-all passport® 2011/2012.
Photo on left is at Swiss Vapeur Parc and photo on right is at the Château d'Aigle, same day!
