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A charming Canton in the southwest of Switzerland, nestled in the legendary glacial Rhône Valley, Valais fuses scenic drama with quaint country living. A fusion of French, Swiss, and German cultures, this diversity is reflected in its unique foodie culture. We recommend pairing a local artisanal cheese with wine or fruit cognac, known here as a Williamine.
The canton's most famous resort is Zermatt, the highest ski area in the Alps. The village is also a major mountaineering centre, framed by glaciers and legendary mountains including the Matterhorn, whose iconic triangular shape is recognised worldwide: a fitting emblem for Valais. The Gornergrat Bahn cog train climbs from Zermatt to one of the best vantage points for admiring this rock giant.
Feel like James Bond on vacation when you take one of the many mountain railways or cable cars that traverse the Furka Pass while you soak in the Rhône Valley’s rich vineyard tapestry. Just remember to keep your eye open for the many wild stags and ibexes the area is teeming with.