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Les Rappes

Canton of Valais · District: Martigny · No published figure for the locality. The municipality of Martigny-Combe has 2'415 inhabitants (31.12.2025, provisional FSO figure)
Part of the municipality of Martigny-Combe
Origin of the name Founding Historical timeline Must-see historical sites Remains Sources and references Nearby villages

Origin of the name Les Rappes

The name also appears as « Raspes » and is sometimes spelt « Râppes ». Its origin remains obscure.[2][3]

Founding of Les Rappes

Les Rappes is a village of the municipality of Martigny-Combe, on the slope above Martigny-Croix. After 999 the territory of the Combe belonged to the castellany of Martigny, whose centre was Les Rappes. The village controlled access to the episcopal castle of La Crête de Martigny, or Saint-Jean, which was reached from the west through Les Rappes and the hamlet of Pied-du-Château. A noble family, the Borcard « des Rappes », was among those who first lived in the old castle, and in the 13th century the de Martigny family lived in the house of the Vidondé, at the foot of Les Rappes.[1][2]

History of Les Rappes

after 999. The territory belongs to the castellany of Martigny, whose centre was Les Rappes.[1]

1163. The first known holders of the vidomnat of Martigny, the de Martigny family, are settled at Les Rappes.[4]

1260 and 1264. The knight Burcard des Rappes is named in connection with the dues owed for guarding the castle of La Bâtiaz.[2]

13th century. The de Martigny family lives in the house of the Vidondé, at the foot of Les Rappes, above La Croix.[2]

1336. Mention of the place « Pied-du-Château », a hamlet through which, together with Les Rappes, the castle was reached.[2]

Historic sites in Les Rappes

Pied-du-Château. Hamlet on the western approach to the castle of La Crête. The fief of Jean Chevaler at Pied-du-Château owed dues for guarding the castle of La Bâtiaz.[2]

Remains in Les Rappes

Castle of La Crête de Martigny (Saint-Jean). Castle of the bishops of Sion reached through Les Rappes. Its keep probably dates from the early 12th century, if not earlier. Partly ruined shortly before 1239, the castle was in all likelihood besieged and taken by Peter of Savoy in 1259 or early 1260.[2]

Sources

  1. Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Martigny-Combe » (Albano Hugon, version du 15.12.2009)
  2. Louis Blondel, « Le vieux château de la Crête de Martigny ou de Saint-Jean », Vallesia, 5, 1950, p. 185-192 (via RERO DOC)
  3. Philippe Farquet, « Le Mont Ravoire sur Martigny », Bulletin de la Murithienne (vers 1939, via RERO DOC)
  4. Patrimoines de Martigny, « Chronologie »
  5. Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
  6. geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées de Les Rappes)

Other villages near Les Rappes

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