Frequently Asked Questions

[Back]

Travel
Where can I find the bus and train timetables?
Where can I park in Champex?
Can I leave my car for several days whilst I go walking?
Where is the nearest garage for fuel?

Money/Shopping
Where can I find a cash machine?
Where can I exchange foreign notes for Swiss francs?
I wish to do some supermarket shopping. Where is my nearest supermarket?
Where can I buy basic provisions in the village?
Where are the nearest and best shopping areas?
Is there an Ikea in Switzerland?

Accommodation
What type of accommodation is there in Champex?

The Lake
Can you take your own boats on the lake?
Can you swim in the lake?
What are the rules about swimming?

Health
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
How would I contact a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency?

Walking
I would like to do some walks around Champex. What is possible?
I would like to walk to the Cabane d’Orny. Do you have any information about this?

General
I have heard that one of the best restaurants in Switzerland is nearby. Where is it located?


Travel
Where can I find the bus and train time tables?
The Swiss operate an extremely efficient transport system. All buses and trains are spotlessly clean and a delight to travel on. Click on the link for all the latest timetables.
Swiss SBB Transport Website

Where can I park in Champex?
The best place to park your car is at the Ski lift. Here you will find a large car park and parking is free.

Can I leave my car for several days whilst I go walking?
Yes you can

Where is the nearest garage for fuel?
There is no service station in the village.
The nearest garage would be either in Orsières, Sembrancher or on the road towards Martigny.

Back to Top

Money/Shopping
Where can I find a cash machine?
The nearest cash machine is outside the Proxi supermarket in Champex Lac. There are also two cash machines in Orsières. One is at the rail/bus station opposite the tourist office. There is also one in the central square.

Where can I exchange foreign notes for Swiss francs?
The tourist office can exchange Euro notes. However to exchange large quantities and other currencies you would need to go to the bank either in Orsières or Martigny

I wish to do some supermarket shopping. Where is my nearest supermarket?
Champex Lac has its own Proxi supermarket in the centre of the village. It is open every day but do check the times by the door as it does shut for lunch. You can also find supermarkets at Orsières (a Pam), Sembrancher (a Co-op) and both Martigny and Sion have a range of larger stores. You can find all the information you need on our supermarket shopping page at Supermarket shopping

Where can I buy basic provisions in the village?
The Proxi supermarket sells fresh locla produce and basic provisions, cleaning materials etc. It also sells local wines, newspapers and magazines and small gifts.
The Boulangerie can provide you with fresh bread, cakes, pies, fresh chocolates and other basics here in Champex.

Where are the nearest and best shopping areas?
Martigny is a lovely town with everything you need. It is a very traditional town with lots of small shops along a high street. At Conthey (just off the main road to Sion)you will find all the large superstores such as Media Markt for electricals, Casa for home products, Anthamatten for quality furniture, Luminart for lighting, Carpetland and much more. You will also find some large supermarkets here, Migros, Co-op and Aldi. see supermarket list

Sion is also a delightful town with a mix of shops and a wonderful historical centre. It is the oldest town in Switzerland and has a castle on top of the two small hills that dominate it. It is also a lovely place for lunch with a good selection of cuisines

Is there an Ikea in Switzerland?
Yes, the nearest one to Champex is at Aubonne (just beyond Lausanne on the road to Geneva) Further information can be found here IKEA Website

Back to Top

Accommodation
What type of accommodation is there in Champex?
In Champex you can find apartments, hotel rooms, rental accommodation and dortoirs. Please check the accommodation area on Champex.info

The Lake
Can you take your own boats on the lake?
There are rules about the size and type of boat you can use. Check with the Tourist office before you venture out

Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, but it is fed from the mountain streams and can be very cold, ideal when it is very warm.

What are the rules about fishing?
There is a website that can help you here at the Fishing in Valais website

Back to Top

Health
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
You will find a pharmacy in Orsières in the main square

How would I contact a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency?
Check our telephone listing on the website Useful Telephone Numbers

Back to Top

Walking
I would like to do some walks around Champex. What is possible?
There are some lovely walks around Champex, all very varied in terms of views and difficulties. Click on the link to find out more Walking around Champex

I would like to walk to the Cabane d’Orny. Do you have any information about this?
Champex is a good place to begin this expedition because if you wish to gain elevation quickly you can make use of the ski lift to take you up to La Breya. It is then around a 2.5 hour walk from there. For more information visit the Cabane d’Orny website at Cabane d'Orny Website
There is further information about mountain huts at Mountain Huts

Back to Top

General
I have heard that one of the best restaurants in Switzerland is nearby. Where is it located?

The restaurant Les Alpes in the square at Orsieres is listed as one of the best in Switzerland
Tel. +41 (0)27 783 11 01

Back to Top

Champex Home Page