Leaving the village for the side of the valley
Leaving the village for the side of the valley
The grape vines have all been pruned, except for this rare collection of grapes hanging on these vines along someones steps to their front door.
Now we start going up
Walkway leading up the side of the valley
and start to see views of Martigny, looking east.
This was about 3:00 PM. The mountains on the south side of the valley, on the right, keep the valley in shade much of the day. Here is a view to the south side. The building I live in is near the center of this picture.
Looking to the south side of the valley
Walk a little further along this road
and you can see more of Martigny ahead looking east, south, and behind looking west.
The steep slopes of grape vines are worked with the help of these mechanical horses. They look like gasoline powered engines that climb and descend on toothed rails.
Do you want to ride on this one?
Many of these rock walls have walk paths along them to access the fields. The larger paths are used by everyone out walking.
In this view of the central area of Martigny, the Roman amphitheatre is near the center where the far edge of town meets the trees. Keith and Nate live on the first floor of one of the white high-rises just below and left of the amphitheatre.
After rounding a corner you get your first glimpse of Martigny's castle, the Chateau de la Batiaz. The sun is still shining up the valley on Sion.
Click on these pictures and zoom in to test your french reading skills. They provide a little history of the castle and the settlement of the valley.
The walk down to the castle has some beautiful paths that are still green and steps up the stone walls.
After walking past the castle, the path winds down the valley side into the heart of Martigny. First you cross a wooden bridge over the Dranse river.
and then you can look back and up to the castle.
