Foire du Valais 2026: Tips for finding accommodation in Martigny without breaking your budget

Every autumn, the city of Martigny turns into a true capital of celebration, business, and conviviality for French-speaking Switzerland. However, if you have ever tried to book accommodation at the last minute, you know how impossible the task can be. At Roomlala, we know that organizing a stay during an event of this scale can quickly become a financial headache. The saturation of hotel supply often forces visitors to stay far away or pay astronomical sums for a single night. Fortunately, there is an alternative that combines savings, comfort, and authenticity: booking a homestay. Discover how to take full advantage of the 2026 Foire du Valais while keeping your budget under control, and immerse yourself in the heart of Valaisan hospitality.

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

Get ready for a memorable experience! 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 rhythm of economic and social life in 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 meet 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 absolute 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 daunting obstacle course, and the few 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 just looking for a bed, but a viable solution that allows them to enjoy the festivities (and the famous tasting areas) without having to get back behind the wheel to drive dozens of kilometers in the middle of the night.

Opting for traditional accommodation during this critical period often means sacrificing a large part of your leisure budget. That 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, while securing a strategic home base just minutes from the exhibition pavilions.

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 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 unused space rather than speculate on a one-off event. You can 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 choosing a homestay in Fully, just a few minutes by bus from Martigny, they spent only 80 CHF per night. This saving of 170 CHF allowed them to splurge on the food stalls and bring back a few good bottles of Fendant to enjoy at home.

Furthermore, staying with a host often reduces other incidental costs. Most hosts provide their kitchen for breakfast or offer valuable advice on where to park for free, how to avoid the crowded paid parking at the CERM, or how to optimally use local public transport. These little tips, when combined, 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 above all a celebration of conviviality. It would be a shame to experience this excitement during the day only to end up isolated in an impersonal hotel room at night. By renting a room from a Valaisan, you extend the warm experience of the fair directly into your accommodation. Swiss hospitality is not a myth, and hosts are often delighted to share their anecdotes about the region.

At Roomlala, we receive many testimonials from travelers who have formed 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 transforms a simple logistical stay into a true travel memory.

Finally, for seasonal workers, exhibitors, or students hired for the event, the homestay offers a restful and family-like setting, away from the bustle of Martigny nights. It is an ideal decompression chamber. You enjoy 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?

Landlord agreement and subletting

If you live in Martigny or its surroundings and have an empty spare room, the idea of renting it during the 2026 Foire du Valais 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 own home, the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) stipulates that you have the right to sublet part of your apartment, but on one essential condition: you must obtain the prior consent of your landlord or property management agency.

In practice, this process is simple but mandatory. You just need to send a written request to your property management company specifying the conditions of the sublease (the dates of the fair, the amount of rent requested, and the room involved). The landlord can only refuse if you refuse to share the conditions, 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 inconveniences for them. Be transparent from the start to avoid any dispute.

Once this agreement is obtained, you can publish your listing on Roomlala with total peace of mind. We advise you to keep a written record of your management company's agreement. If in 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 paying it to the municipality or the 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 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 will need 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 from renting a furnished room, even for a short duration like the ten days of the fair, constitutes taxable supplemental 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 check-ins and check-outs will greatly simplify the task when you fill out your tax return.

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

For your stay at the 2026 Foire du Valais to be a complete 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), are booked within days. Booking early ensures you get the pick of the litter 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 Haute-Savoie. Specify your arrival and departure times. Hosts appreciate knowing who they are going to welcome into their home. If you are a host, be clear about the house rules: quiet hours, bathroom access, or key handover.

Also think about your mobility. Martigny is excellently served by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF) and regional trains. Rather than looking for a room strictly in the Martigny city center, expand your search to neighboring municipalities like Vernayaz, Saxon, or Fully. You will find even lower rates, charming hosts, and you will be able to reach the fair in minutes by public transport, thus avoiding the stress of traffic jams and the tedious search for a parking space.

In summary, the 2026 Foire du Valais promises to be grand with its 250,000 expected visitors, its cinema atmosphere, and its Franco-Swiss flavors. Do not let the housing question 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!