Valais Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Valais.
Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Viande Séchée du Valais (AOC)
Valais' most iconic product — air-dried beef aged in mountain air for months. Available vacuum-packed for travel. This has AOC protected status.
Valais AOC Wine
The canton's celebrated wines including Fendant (Chasselas), Petite Arvine, Humagne Rouge, Cornalin, and the unique Vin des Glaciers from Val d'Anniviers. Excellent quality and largely unknown outside Switzerland.
Raclette du Valais AOP
The authentic Valaisan raclette cheese made from raw milk in alpine dairies — look for the AOP seal to ensure authenticity. Available as a whole half-cheese round or pre-sliced.
Valaisan Woodwork (Cernier)
Traditional carved wooden items including small figures, decorated spoons, and milk jugs in the traditional Valaisan style. Handmade by local artisans.
Pewter and Cowbell
Traditional Swiss cowbells (clochettes de vaches) come in all sizes from pocket-sized souvenirs to full-scale working bells — an iconic piece of Valaisan pastoral heritage.
Rye Bread (Pain de Seigle)
Traditional Valaisan rye bread made from local grain — dense, flavourful, and the perfect companion to raclette or dried meats. Best bought fresh from bakeries.
Swiss Alpine Chocolate
Premium Swiss chocolate with Valaisan mountain honey, alpine herbs, or dried fruits. Several local chocolatiers in Sion and Zermatt produce exceptional artisan chocolate.
Matterhorn Merchandise
From tasteful Matterhorn-branded knitwear and scarves to fun novelty items — the world's most recognised mountain peak is a gift that resonates globally.
Valaisan Abricotine (Apricot Brandy)
A traditional Valaisan eau-de-vie distilled from the local Luizet apricots grown on the sunny hillsides above Martigny and Sion. Protected origin and unique character.
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Sion Saturday Market (Marché de Sion)
Valais' largest weekly market, filling the streets of central Sion with local produce, seasonal vegetables, cheese, dried meats, wine, honey, flowers, and crafts from regional farmers and artisans
Martigny Thursday Market
A lively weekly market in Martigny's town centre offering seasonal produce, local honey, artisan cheeses, and household goods
Brig Saturday Market
A traditional market in Brig's historic town square with fresh vegetables, Valaisan dried meats, cheeses, and local crafts
Sion Christmas Market
One of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in French Switzerland, held in the medieval cobblestone streets beneath the twin castle hills
Vendange Wine Harvest Market
During the grape harvest season, villages along the Valais wine route open their cellars and hold local festivals with wine tasting, food, and music
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Sion Old Town
The medieval old town of Sion has a growing collection of independent boutiques, wine shops, delicatessens, and artisan food stores alongside the weekly market
Zermatt Bahnhofstrasse
Zermatt's main pedestrian street is lined with luxury ski brands (Bogner, Kjus, Moncler), Swiss watch shops, and souvenir boutiques — shopping is part of the Zermatt experience
Verbier Village
Verbier's village centre has a selection of high-end ski equipment shops, luxury brands, and après-ski fashion boutiques catering to the cosmopolitan resort clientele
Martigny City Centre
Martigny's main shopping street (Avenue de la Gare) has Swiss chain stores, supermarkets, and a reliable selection of everyday shopping for valley-town visitors
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Manor Sion
The main department store in Sion with a wide range of clothing, household goods, food hall, and a good wine section
Migros Sion (Monthéolo)
Large Migros hypermarket on the outskirts of Sion with the widest food selection in Valais, excellent Swiss cheese section, and affordable everyday prices
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is not customary in Switzerland — fixed prices are standard in shops, markets, and restaurants
At artisan markets, politely asking about a discount on multiple purchases is sometimes acceptable
Swiss supermarkets (Migros, Coop) run regular promotions — check the weekly specials flyer near the entrance
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Protected cultural goods and antiques require an export permit; livestock products (dried meats, cheese) are subject to EU import restrictions — check current rules before travelling home
Tax Refunds
VAT refund (currently 8.1% standard rate) available for non-EU residents on purchases over CHF 300 from participating shops; request a tax refund form at the point of sale
Duty-Free Limits
When returning to the EU: allowances include 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes, and goods up to €430 in value. UK allowances similar. Check your country's import rules.
Shipping
International shipping available through Swiss Post (La Poste) at all post offices; major stores in Sion and Zermatt offer shipping services for large purchases
Shop Smart in Valais
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
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