Martigny at leisure

A brighter day today surrounded by sun drenched peaks, a good sleep-in and a clean shirt (hotel hand basin wash only but surely an improvement after four days of sweat and then there’s the socks I’ll leave it there haha).
Mobility scooters hum past the hotel restaurant window. This boutique hotel is staffed by people with disability and today is “disability race day” in Martigny and the staff are participating and very excited. Apparently they have to race carrying a tray of drinks or something down the Main Street. After-party at the hotel tonight. Should be fun - hope there are no casualties ‘cos I think the bartender is racing. See below for results!
And there goes is a St Bernard’s dog - this valley is where they breed them and have a place where you can pat them and take them for a walk and presumably pick up their poop. Definitely for me.
Surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees, Martigny is known for its good food. Strawberries, apricots, grapes and asparagus grow well under the hot Valais sun. In the past, personalities such as Rousseau, Goethe, Stendhal and Liszt were seduced by the culinary delights of the region.
Historically, Martigny looks back on two thousand years or more: Celtic tribes, the Romans and Napoleon's troops all left their mark here.
Also a restored amphitheatre on the edge of town, and Roman thermal baths, temples and residential quarters.
After my visit to the amphitheater, I dropped into Fondation Pierre Gianadda, not really expecting much other than to fill in time before beer o’clock. Turns out the Foundation stages significant exhibitions with works of art coming from private collections around the world. There are gardens open for a stroll through the Sculpture Park, and to see the Gallo-Roman remains: archaeological relics discovered during digs in Martigny.
The Foundation also houses the Louis and Evelyn Franck Collections as well as a space dedicated to the inventions of Leonardo de Vinci; and artworks by Albert Anker, Max Buri, Augusto Giacometti, Giovanni Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodker.
There is also an amazing automobile museum with more than 50 perfectly restored vintage cars going back to 1897.
Turned out to be a worthwhile stop.
Then drifted up the hill to Chateau Bâtiaz, actually a castle, on a bluff overlooking the town. See photos.
Results from today race - yay, Hotel Boutique Martigny did brilliantly in the race with first, third and fourth positions so much celebrating at reception.Read more