Ardon

Access

The access to the municipality of Ardon is easy: it is located along the main axis of the Rhone valley and the local railway station connects it to both Sion and Martigny, allowing easy travel by public transport. The A9 motorway runs parallel to the valley section, facilitating arrival by car. The proximity to Sion Airport is an additional advantage for national and international connections. Car parks and main services are located close to the town centre, making the village accessible and well integrated into the Valais transport network.

Introduction

Ardon is a Swiss municipality located in Canton Valais, in the Conthey district, and is known for its strategic location in the Rhone valley between Sion and Martigny. The municipal territory extends south of the great Alpine river and embraces a variety of environments, from the vineyards of the plain to the mountain slopes overlooking the valley floor. The town is located at an altitude of 503 metres and has just over 3,000 inhabitants.

Description

The environment of Ardon is characterised by typical Valais landscapes: a belt of agricultural fields and vineyards alternates with steep crags and hilly areas, often shaped by human activities but still marked by the presence of forests and watercourses flowing rapidly down from the hills. The dry and sunny climate of the Valais favours a Mediterranean vegetation rich in biodiversity, especially among the wine terraces, which represent one of the main economic resources of the area. The commune offers suggestive views of the Valais Alps, particularly appreciated by hikers and nature lovers.
The origins of Ardon date back to medieval times, as evidenced by the documentation of place names and the presence of ancient religious and civil structures. The area was historically involved in the events that affected the entire Valais, ruled by the bishops of Sion and often disputed between local powers and external sovereignties such as the Savoys and the French. Recent history, on the other hand, is marked by a progressive economic and social transformation, with the development of specialised wine-growing and a careful balance between rural tradition and innovation.
Ardon boasts traditions linked to the agricultural calendar and Alpine culture: between patronal festivals and local fairs, the products of the land are celebrated, especially wine, the protagonist of the numerous wine cellars that characterise the village and its surroundings. Local crafts, typical recipes and religious customs intertwine to testify to the community's liveliness. There is no lack of cultural heritage elements such as ruins of ancient castles and historic churches, often set in a rural landscape of great symbolic and environmental value.

Information

Area: 20.39 km²
Altitude: 503m
Maximum elevation: 2,969m - Haut de Cry
Number of inhabitants: 3,076 (2022 census)
Name in dialect:Ardon; in German (historical): Arden
Inhabitant name: Ardoniers
Patron Saint: S. Sulpice (patron saint's day)
Neighbouring municipalities: Chamoson, Conthey, Vétroz, Nendaz
Internet site: www.ardon.ch