Administration communale Rue Centrale 22 CH-1958 Saint-Léonard

Tel. +41 27 205 76 00 Fax +41 27 205 76 19

Located in Valais, along the Rhône valley, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, St-Léonard is not only renowned for its subterranean lake, the largest in Europe, but also for its orchards and wineyards.

From mid-March to the end of October, you can visit this famous underground lake, a privileged witness to the formation of the Alps, aboard a rowing boat for up to 40 people.

Don't worry, it's the polyglot guide who's doing the rowing, but don't go there in a shirt, as the temperature is only 15°C and the thermal shock with the outside world is quite impressive!

Nestled in the hillside at a depth of between 30 and 70 meters beneath the vineyards, it is the largest natural, navigable underground lake in Europe, at over 300 meters long, and the short half-hour cruise on its limpid waters, with subdued lighting that accentuates the mystery of the place, is highly enjoyable.

But the underground lake is not the only attraction of the village, which lies at the heart of the Valais vineyards so well exposed that the wines produced here are among the best in Switzerland, and rival those of Europe's greatest wine-growing regions!

St-Léonard is also home to Calvalais, a brandy that is not simply a Valais version of Normandy calvados, but a cider distillate produced from a blend of different apple varieties, one of which is called "calville", giving the product its name.

Don't hesitate to try the natural apple juice produced in the village - it's the best we've ever had - and don't forget to taste the local wines, both red and white, which are excellent!

Underground lake, tasty wines and apple juice are not the only assets of Saint-Léonard. Visit the church and stroll through the old village, which you can get an idea of with our virtual tour.