Martigny

Martigny is a town situated in the Canton du Valais at a strategic point where two Mountain passes, one from Aosta in Italy and one from Chanonix in France meet in the Valley of the river Rhone. It was once a prominent northerly outpost of the Roman empire and there are a number of Roman remains, notably, the restored Roman Amphitheatre. Also built amongst the remains of a former Roman temple, built on earlier Roman ruins, is now the museum of Pierre Gianadda which houses a impressive collection of ancient Roman artefacts from around the town.

The Pierre Gianadda Foundation and museum is one of the most important attractions in Martigny. Hind and I visited it at least twice a year. it's unusual for its eclectic collections. On the one hand you have a fabulous collection of antique cars dating back to the turn of the century, on the other the foundation has hosted two prestigious exhibitions of paintings a year featuring some of the giants of the art world; Montigliani, Van Gogh, Bonnard, Manet and Egon Schiele. Also numerous music concerts and talks. The town is also unique for its number of impressive sculptural works on prominent traffic roundabouts. My favourite has to be the giant Minotaur by Hans Erni.

Lastly, if large dogs don't worry you, the museum devoted to some of the largest canines is: the Musée et Chiens du Saint Bernard; well worth a visit.