Grimentz is Great

There is little chance of finding your way to the village of Grimentz by accident. Taking the turning up the side of the Rhone valley from the town of Sierre the road climbs quite steeply for the first few kilometres.

As the road becomes narrower and the sheer rock wall imposes on the route, it's possible to believe that you have taken the wrong turning, and then upon reaching Vissoie the road fans out in all directions and you see a sign for Grimentz at the crossroads.

Once the village of Vissoie is left behind the landscape begins to look more like typical Swiss mountain scenery. Less rugged, you pass cows in pastures and begin to wind your way up the Moiry valley towards yet another set of hairpin bends.

Upon reaching the bends you realise that you are approaching somewhere special as on each bend is a row of wooden poles each supporting a hanging basket of Geraniums.

This serves as a gentle introduction to your entry to the village where flowers hang from almost every balcony, tubs are filled and overflowing with red flowers and the air is filled with herb scents.

Your first port of call should be the Tourist Office where you can obtain a list of events for your stay. Follow this with a stroll through the car free centre of the village, taking in the wood carvings on the houses and calling in at the craft shops.

There are always exhibitions, concerts and fairs to visit and it's easy to relax and begin to appreciate why this tightly grouped cluster of wooden chalets is perched on a sunny balcony on a wooded hillside.

The air is sweet, the atmosphere is calming and if you should feel the need to get some exercise, then take the Telecabine to Bendolla where there are many walking routes available, with of course, skiing in the winter. The Lift Company offer a day package which includes lunch in the Bendolla Restaurant.

Of course, lunch on the terrace may be a little noisy as this is Switzerland, and the some of the 4 legged locals may be close by also enjoying lunch!

Come and visit, soon and see authentic Switzerland at it's very best.