Valais Fair 2026: The trick to finding accommodation in Martigny without breaking your budget

Every autumn, the city of Martigny transforms into a true hub for festivities, business, and community in the French-speaking region. But if you have ever tried to book accommodation at the last minute, you know how impossible the mission can be. At Roomlala, we understand that organizing a stay during an event of this scale can quickly become a financial headache. The saturation of hotel options often forces visitors to stay far away or pay astronomical amounts for a single night. Fortunately, there is an alternative that combines savings, comfort, and authenticity: renting a homestay. Discover how to fully enjoy the Foire du Valais 2026 while keeping your budget in check, and immerse yourself in the heart of Valaisan hospitality.

The Foire du Valais 2026: A must-attend event, a housing challenge

Get ready for a memorable edition! The 66th edition of the Foire du Valais will take place from October 2 to 11, 2026, at the CERM (Martigny Expo). This major event, which sets the pace for the economic and social life of French-speaking Switzerland, will focus this year on the magical theme of cinema. In addition, the region of honor will be none other than the Haute-Savoie, promising delicious cross-border encounters where Valaisan raclette meets Savoyard tartiflette in an incomparable festive atmosphere.

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However, the phenomenal success of the fair comes with a significant logistical challenge. The event attracts approximately 250,000 visitors each year, with an all-time record of over 254,000 people reached in 2025. Facing this human tide, the small town of Martigny and its surroundings see their capacity saturated months in advance. Finding accommodation in Martigny becomes a grueling task, and the rare hotel rooms still available display prohibitive rates that can discourage many a visitor.

It is precisely in this context of scarcity that short-term rentals in Switzerland make perfect sense. At Roomlala, we see a spectacular rise in searches for alternative accommodation in the canton of Valais every year as October approaches. Travelers are no longer looking for just a bed, but a viable solution that allows them to enjoy the festivities (and the famous tasting areas) without having to drive dozens of kilometers in the middle of the night.

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

The homestay: The ideal solution for your budget

Significant savings in the face of rising prices

The financial argument is undoubtedly the primary motivator that leads visitors to choose a homestay in the Valais. During the fair, hotel prices can easily double or even triple. By booking through a platform like Roomlala, rates remain stable and fair because they are set by individuals looking to monetize an empty 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 from Lausanne looking to enjoy the first weekend of the fair, searched for a hotel in September. The only options available were over 250 CHF per night. By choosing a homestay in Fully, just a few minutes by bus from Martigny, they paid only 80 CHF per night. This saving of 170 CHF allowed them to splurge at the gastronomic stands and bring home a few good bottles of Fendant.

Additionally, staying with a host often helps reduce other incidental costs. Most hosts provide access to their kitchen for breakfast or offer valuable advice on where to park for free, how to avoid the crowded paid parking lots at the CERM, or how to use local public transport optimally. These small tips, when added up, represent a significant boost to your purchasing power so you can fully enjoy the cinema theme of this 2026 edition.

An authentic and convivial experience

Beyond the purely financial aspect, the Foire du Valais is first and foremost a celebration of conviviality. It would be a shame to experience this excitement during the day only to find yourself isolated in an impersonal hotel room at night. By renting a room with a Valaisan resident, 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 travelers 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 following day. It is this human dimension that transforms a simple logistical stay into a true travel memory.

Finally, for seasonal workers, exhibitors, or students engaged for the event, a homestay offers a restful and family-like setting, far from the tumult of Martigny nights. It is an ideal decompression chamber. You benefit from the comfort of a real home and a quiet residential neighborhood, 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 room, the idea of renting it during the Foire du Valais 2026 is excellent. However, at Roomlala, we are committed to supporting you so that this process is carried out in strict compliance with Swiss law. If you are a tenant of your home, 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.

In practice, this process is simple but mandatory. You just need to send a written request to your management specifying the terms of the subletting (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 terms, if the conditions are abusive (for example, if you rent the room for much more than it costs you proportionally), or if it presents major disadvantages for them. Be transparent from the start to avoid any disputes.

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's agreement. In case of doubt, our platform offers contract templates and insurance to secure the transaction. Welcoming visitors from October 2 to 11, 2026, will then become an enriching experience, both on a human and financial level, without the slightest legal stress.

Tourist tax and tax obligations

Hosting travelers is subject to certain administrative rules that should not be overlooked. In Martigny, as in most tourist towns in the Valais, the collection of a tourist tax is mandatory for all short-term rentals. Even if you are an individual renting a room occasionally, you are legally responsible for collecting this tax from your guest and remitting it to the municipality or local tourist office.

We recommend that you inquire directly with Martigny Tourisme or on the municipality's website (martigny.com) to find out the exact rate in effect for the year 2026. Generally, this tax amounts to a few francs per night 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 must be paid in cash upon arrival. Transparency is the key to a good relationship with your tenants.

Finally, do not forget the tax aspect. In Switzerland, the income generated by renting a furnished room, even for a short period 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 costs associated with this rental (cleaning, electricity, breakfast if provided) can often be deducted. Keeping a small log of your entries and departures will make your task much easier when filling 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. Do not wait until September to start your search. As soon as the dates are confirmed (October 2 to 11, 2026), start scanning the listings on Roomlala. The best rooms, those located in immediate proximity to Martigny Expo or served by the regional train line (TMR), go in a few days. Booking early means ensuring you get the best choice at the best price.

Communication with your future host or tenant is paramount. If you are a traveler, do not hesitate to introduce yourself in your booking request message. Explain that you are coming for the cinema theme or to discover the specialties of the 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 center of Martigny, expand your search to neighboring towns like Vernayaz, Saxon, or Fully. You will find even lower 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 flavors. Do not let the issue of housing spoil your enthusiasm. By choosing a homestay with Roomlala, you are opting for an intelligent, legal, economic, and deeply human solution. Pack your bags, book your room now, and come celebrate the Valaisan autumn in the best possible conditions!