Flanked by forest on one side and terraced vineyards on the other, Martigny, a melting pot of tourism, history and culture, nestles in a magnificent mountain setting. This town of 15,000 inhabitants was already an important commercial centre in Roman times. An abundance of Gallo-Roman remains bear witness to its past, in particular the ancient amphitheatre. The modern town, overlooked by the Batiaz Tower, a C13th fortress, was built on a bend of the Rhône, on the banks of the Dranse. The old districts are full of picturesque charm.