Foire du Valais 2026: Tips for finding accommodation in Martigny without breaking the bank

Every autumn, the city of Martigny transforms into the true capital of the French-speaking region for celebration, business, and conviviality. But if you have ever tried to book accommodation at the last minute, you know how impossible a mission it can be. At Roomlala, we know that organising a stay during an event of this scale can quickly become a financial headache. The saturation of hotel offerings often pushes visitors to stay significantly further away or to pay astronomical sums for a single night. Fortunately, there is an alternative that combines savings, comfort, and authenticity: a homestay rental. Discover how to fully enjoy the Foire du Valais 2026 while keeping your budget in check, and dive into the heart of Valaisan hospitality.

The Foire du Valais 2026: An unmissable event, a accommodation challenge

Get ready for a memorable edition! The 66th edition of the Foire du Valais will take place from 2 to 11 October 2026 at the CERM (Martigny Expo). This major event, which marks the economic and social life of French-speaking Switzerland, will be themed around the magic of cinema this year. In addition, the guest region will be none other than Haute-Savoie, promising delicious cross-border encounters where Valaisan raclette will rub shoulders with Savoyard tartiflette in an unparalleled festive atmosphere.

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However, the phenomenal success of the Fair comes with a significant logistical challenge. The event attracts around 250,000 visitors each year, with an all-time record of over 254,000 people reached in 2025. Faced with this tidal wave of people, the small town of Martigny and its surroundings see their capacity filled months in advance. Finding accommodation in Martigny then becomes an obstacle course, and the few hotel rooms still available display prohibitive rates that can discourage more than one visitor.

It is precisely in this context of shortage that short-term rental in Switzerland takes on its full meaning. At Roomlala, we see a spectacular rise in searches for alternative accommodation in the canton of Valais every year as October approaches. Travellers are no longer just looking for a bed, but a viable solution that allows them to enjoy the festivities (and the famous tasting areas) without having to drive dozens of kilometres in the middle of the night.

Opting for traditional accommodation during this critical period often means agreeing to sacrifice a large part of your leisure budget. This is why we encourage you to rethink the way you travel. By turning to the local residents who open their doors, you contribute to a circular and supportive economy, while ensuring a strategic base just minutes from the exhibition halls.

The homestay: The ideal solution for your budget

Significant savings in the face of soaring prices

The financial argument is undoubtedly the primary driver that pushes visitors to choose a homestay in the Valais. During the Fair, hotel prices can easily double or even triple. By booking via a platform like Roomlala, rates remain stable and fair, as they are set by individuals looking to monetise unoccupied space rather than speculate on a one-off event. You can thus save up to 50% on your accommodation budget.

Let's take a concrete example. Julien and Sophie, a couple coming from Lausanne to enjoy the first weekend of the Fair, looked for a hotel in September. The only options available exceeded 250 CHF per night. By opting for a homestay in Fully, a few minutes by bus from Martigny, they only paid 80 CHF per night. This saving of 170 CHF allowed them to treat themselves at the gourmet stands and bring back a few good bottles of Fendant home.

Moreover, staying in a homestay often allows you to reduce other incidental expenses. Most hosts make their kitchen available for breakfast or offer valuable advice on how to park for free, avoid the crowded paid car parks at the CERM, or use local public transport optimally. These little tips put together represent a significant increase in purchasing power to fully enjoy the cinema theme of this 2026 edition.

An authentic and convivial experience

Beyond the purely financial aspect, the Foire du Valais is above all a celebration of conviviality. It would be a shame to experience this buzz during the day only to find yourself isolated in an impersonal hotel room at night. By renting a room with a local in Valais, you extend the warm experience of the Fair directly into your accommodation. Swiss hospitality is no myth, and hosts are often delighted to share their anecdotes about the region.

At Roomlala, we receive many testimonials from travellers who have forged real bonds with their hosts. Imagine returning from the Fair after exploring the Haute-Savoie pavilion, and debriefing your day over a final drink with your host, who will advise you on the least touristy and most authentic stands for the next day. It is this human dimension that turns a simple logistical stay into a true travel memory.

Finally, for seasonal workers, exhibitors, or students hired for the event, the homestay offers a relaxing and family-friendly setting, far from the tumult of Martigny's nights. It is an ideal decompression chamber. You benefit from the comfort of a real home, a quiet residential area, while remaining in immediate proximity to the beating heart of the Valaisan economy during these ten intense days.

Valaisan hosts: How to welcome visitors legally?

The owner's agreement and subletting

If you live in Martigny or its surroundings and have a spare guest room, the idea of renting it during the Foire du Valais 2026 is excellent. However, at Roomlala, we want to support you so that this process is carried out in strict compliance with Swiss law. If you are a tenant of your home yourself, the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) stipulates that you have the right to sublet part of your apartment, but on one condition: you must obtain the prior consent of your landlord or your property management company.

In practice, this process is simple but mandatory. You just need to send a written request to your management company specifying the conditions of the sublet (the period of the Fair, the amount of rent requested, and the room concerned). The owner can only refuse if you refuse to communicate the conditions to them, if the conditions are abusive (for example, if you rent the room much more expensively than it costs you pro-rata), or if it presents major disadvantages for them. Be transparent from the start to avoid any litigation.

Once this agreement is obtained, you can publish your listing on Roomlala with complete peace of mind. We advise you to keep a written record of your management company's agreement. In case of doubt, our platform offers contract templates and insurance to secure the transaction. Welcoming visitors from 2 to 11 October 2026 will then become an enriching experience, both on a human and financial level, without the slightest legal stress.

Tourist tax and tax obligations

Welcoming travellers is subject to certain administrative rules that should not be neglected. In Martigny, as in most tourist municipalities in the Valais, the collection of a tourist tax is mandatory for any short-term rental. Even if you are an individual renting a room occasionally, you are legally responsible for collecting this tax from your guest and paying it to the municipality or the local tourist office.

We recommend that you check directly with Martigny Tourisme or on the municipality's website (martigny.com) to find out the exact rate in force for the year 2026. Generally, this tax amounts to a few francs per night and per person. To make things easier, clearly state in your Roomlala listing whether the tourist tax is included in your base price or if it will have to be paid in cash upon arrival. Transparency is the key to a good relationship with your tenants.

Finally, don't forget the tax aspect. In Switzerland, the income generated by renting a furnished room, even for a short duration like the ten days of the Fair, constitutes taxable ancillary income. You must therefore declare these amounts in your cantonal and municipal tax return. Rest assured, the expenses related to this rental (cleaning, electricity, breakfast if provided) can often be deducted. Keeping a small register of your arrivals and departures will make your task much easier when it comes time to fill out your tax return.

Our tips for a successful short-term rental in Switzerland during the Fair

For your stay at the Foire du Valais 2026 to be a total success, anticipation is your best ally. Don't wait until September to start your search. As soon as the dates are confirmed (from 2 to 11 October 2026), start scouring the listings on Roomlala. The best rooms, those located in the immediate vicinity of Martigny Expo or served by the regional train line (TMR), go in just a few days. Booking early means securing the pick of the bunch at the best price.

Communication with your future host or tenant is paramount. If you are a traveller, do not hesitate to introduce yourself in your booking request message. Explain that you are coming for the cinema theme or to discover the specialities of Haute-Savoie. Specify your arrival and departure times. Hosts appreciate knowing who they are welcoming into their home. If you are a host, be clear about house rules: quiet hours, access to the bathroom, or key handover.

Also consider your mobility. Martigny is excellently served by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and regional trains. Rather than looking for a room strictly in the city centre of Martigny, expand your search to neighbouring municipalities such as Vernayaz, Saxon, or Fully. You will find even softer rates, charming hosts, and you will be able to reach the Fair in a few minutes by public transport, thus avoiding the stress of traffic jams and the tedious search for a parking space.

In summary, the Foire du Valais 2026 promises to be grandiose with its 250,000 expected visitors, its cinema atmosphere, and its Franco-Swiss flavours. Don't let the issue of accommodation spoil your enthusiasm. By choosing a homestay with Roomlala, you are opting for an intelligent, legal, economical, and deeply human solution. Pack your bags, book your room now, and come celebrate the Valaisan autumn in the best possible conditions!