European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 4, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Switzerland 4 % so a a. A a a i streetlights and the setting Sun illuminate the Village of Sion As seen from one of its castles in the late afternoon. By Chuck Roberts staff writer if you re in the Vicinity of Lake Geneva a definite must see is the town of Sion and its two castles standing guard on peaks rising dramatically above. Even the most hardened european tourists will be impressed with the sight of these former fortresses especially on the evenings when the Moon rises at one end of the Valley and the Sun dips colourfully below the Swiss Alps at the other. Unlike Many castles that Are More interesting if seen from a distance the monster notre Dame de Valere Castle on the right Side is Worth the easy climb and just As interesting on the inside. Once a Cathedral its primitive Interior contains the oldest functioning Organ in the world a Mill and an Arsenal where ammunition was made. On the opposite Side of the Cathedral lie the ruins of chateau de Tou Bilton. It s a Steep climb to the top but the spectacular View makes it worthwhile. Opposite the Church entrances the Musee de Valere which offers outstanding displays of religious objects furniture and folkloric items depicting the Way people lived in past centuries. It s All downhill from there but the interest does t level off. As you walk Down the Rue Des Chateaux you la pass by the Musee d Arche Ologie and its Small gallery of impressive local archaeological finds and other artefacts from ancient times. Once you be reached the downtown area you can wander through the secluded alleys and discover lots of interesting shops and quaint places to Stop for Coffee Breaks and for lunch or dinner. But organize your wandering Long enough to see the Cathedral of notre Dame do Clavier and the 12th-Century tour de Orcier witches Tower which is All that remains of the medieval town Walls. Also go see the Maison Supersano a wealthy mansion built in 1 sos with a striking carved ceiling that can be visited by climbing a  tips a Best time to visit Spring and Early fall. Don t go on a monday because Many attractions Are closed. A getting there it s just off autobahn n-9 that follows the path of the Rhone Valley. You also can take the old Highway which lets a travel More leisurely and enjoy sights such As the Castle ruins in Saillon. A tour office located at 3 place de la Planta or the Corner of Rue de Lausanne. The phone number is 027 22 85 86. 12 stripes Magazine March 4, 1993