Audio Guide of La Bâtiaz Castle

La Bâtiaz Castle is open from April to October. To get there, you can take public transport to Martigny and then walk uphill for about 15–20 minutes, or drive to the nearby parking area. I recommend checking the exact opening times on the official website before your visit. You can find details on the Martigny Tourism page.

Access to the exterior of La Bâtiaz Castle and its panoramic views is free. However, if you want to enter the tower and the exhibition, there is usually a small admission fee. I encourage you to confirm prices on the website or directly on site. Pricing information is updated regularly, so it is always a good idea to check.

For a full visit, including climbing the tower and enjoying the views and surroundings, I would recommend allowing between 1 and 2 hours. If you enjoy photography or simply want to relax and admire the landscape, you might want to stay a bit longer. It really depends on your pace and curiosity.

La Bâtiaz Castle is a medieval fortress dating from the 13th century, built to control the commercial and strategic route of the Great St Bernard Pass. It played a key role in the defense of Martigny and the region. It represents an essential part of the military and social history of Valais. Its story is full of battles and strategic decisions that you can discover during your visit.

The best time to visit La Bâtiaz Castle is during spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and the scenery is spectacular. Summer is also a good option, although the sun can be strong. I suggest going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy incredible light for photos, while also keeping in mind the castle’s opening hours, which usually run until mid-afternoon.

Because of its historic nature and elevated location, access to La Bâtiaz Castle may be difficult for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. The path up is uphill, and there may be stairs inside the fortress. I recommend contacting the castle staff directly or Martigny Tourism through their website for specific information about accessibility and possible adaptations. The tourism office phone number is +41 27 721 22 22.

Absolutely. Martigny is a town with many attractions. Near the castle, you can visit the Gianadda Foundation, famous for its top-level art exhibitions and its Gallo-Roman Museum, or explore the town center with its Roman ruins and the St. Bernard Dog Museum. It is easy to combine your castle visit with any of these options and make the most of your day.

My best advice is to wear comfortable shoes for the climb and clothing suitable for the weather, as you may be exposed to sun or wind at the top. Do not forget your camera, because the views are stunning. If it is hot, bring water. And if you are interested in history, read a little about the castle before you go, so you will enjoy what you see even more. And do not forget to admire the Rhône from above!