What is the Balade Découverte offered by Sion Tourism?

The Balade Découverte is a cultural urban walking route that combines art and exploration in the city of Sion. It features 10 points of interest where visitors discover works that pair poems with illustrations, creating a dialogue between text and image throughout the journey.

Which artists contributed to this walking route?

Two Valaisan artists collaborated on this project: poet Jazz Moka and graphic designer Floriane Biner. Together, they produced 20 works — 10 poems and 10 illustrations — spread along the route through the city of Sion.

How do you access the Balade Découverte experience?

Simply scan a QR code located at the starting point, the Place de la Planta. From there, you can explore the route entirely at your own pace, with no app required. The experience is free, lasts approximately two hours, and is available in French.

What role does Genius Loci technology play in this Sion Tourism initiative?

Genius Loci technology makes this cultural experience both accessible and immersive through a simple QR code scan — no download required. It supports the showcasing of Sion's local heritage by seamlessly connecting place, artistic creation, and visitors in a fluid, self-guided way.

Sion Tourism brings its city to life with Genius Loci medals

Dans le cadre de la Balade Découverte, l’office de tourisme a mis en place une expérience culturelle mêlant parcours urbain et création artistique. L’objectif : enrichir une promenade existante en y intégrant une dimension artistique et narrative.

Le dispositif repose sur une collaboration avec deux artistes valaisans, le poète Jazz Moka et la graphiste Floriane Biner. Ensemble, ils ont conçu une série de 20 créations (10 poèmes et 10 illustrations) réparties le long d’un parcours en ville.

L’expérience s’articule autour de 10 points d’intérêt. À chaque étape, les visiteurs découvrent une œuvre, créant progressivement un dialogue entre texte et image tout au long du parcours.

L’accès à l’expérience se fait simplement via un QR code, positionné au point de départ (Place de la Planta), permettant aux visiteurs de démarrer le parcours de manière autonome.

Gratuite, d’une durée d’environ deux heures et proposée en français, cette initiative vise à valoriser le territoire tout en proposant une expérience culturelle accessible et immersive.

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Full pricing details are available in our brochure:

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Medals

20 heritage medals & the digital solution
Personalised medals
Content hosting
Training videos

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Guided Support

60 heritage medals & the digital solution
Genius Loci PRO included (1 year)
Content hosting
Personalised medals
An in-person workshop with local residents in your municipality
1 dedicated technical contact
WhatsApp group with ongoing support

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AboutGenius Loci

2,000 years ago, the Romans believed every place was protected by a Genius Loci, the spirit of place.

Today, “genius loci” refers to the unique atmosphere of a place – its character, its history. The term is particularly used in architecture.

We have built on this idea to create a tool for showcasing and digitising heritage – driven by citizens themselves.

Founded in Switzerland by the designers of Design Sprint Ltd, Genius Loci SA finally makes hyperlocal destinations attractive. Truly affordable for municipalities, associations and local authorities.