A Summer Escape to Château de Tourbillon: Ruins, Views & Medieval Charm

#summervacay This summer, I traded bustling cities for the haunting beauty of **Château de Tourbillon**, a medieval fortress ruin perched high above **Sion, Switzerland**. With its sun-bleached stones and panoramic Alpine vistas, this hidden gem was the perfect blend of history and adventure. ### **The Ascent: Hiking Through History** The journey began with a steep but rewarding **20-minute hike** from Sion’s city center. The path wound through vineyards and wildflowers, with the **Rhône Valley** unfolding below. As I climbed, the twin landmarks of **Château de Tourbillon** and **Basilique de Valère** (home to the world’s oldest playable organ!) stood in dramatic contrast—one in ruins, the other still intact. ☀️ *Pro tip:* Go **early morning or late afternoon** to avoid the midday heat—and bring water! ### **Exploring the Ruins: A Castle Frozen in Time** Built in the **13th century** as a bishop’s residence, Tourbillon was burned down in **1417** and never fully rebuilt. Today, its skeletal walls and crumbling towers tell a story of power and decay. Highlights: - **The Keep** – Climb the remains of the central tower for **360° views** of Sion and the Alps. - **Fresco Fragments** – Inside the chapel ruins, faint medieval paintings still cling to the walls. - **The Eagle’s Perspective** – From the battlements, you can see the entire **Valais region**, with vineyards stretching to the horizon. ### **Picnic with a View** I packed a simple Swiss picnic—local **cheese, fresh bread, and Valais wine**—and enjoyed it in the castle’s shadow. The breeze carried the scent of thyme and sun-warmed stone, making it feel like a scene from a storybook. ### **Bonus: Basilique de Valère** After descending, I crossed town to visit **Valère Basilica**, Tourbillon’s "sister castle." The cool interior, with its **12th-century organ** and Gothic arches, was a peaceful contrast to Tourbillon’s rugged ruins. ### **Final Thoughts** Château de Tourbillon is for those who love **history without barriers**—no velvet ropes, just wind, wildflowers, and whispers of the past. If you’re in Switzerland, don’t miss this off-the-radar treasure!