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

Every autumn, the town of Martigny transforms into a true hub for celebrations, business, and conviviality in French-speaking Switzerland. However, if you have ever tried to book accommodation at the last minute, you know how impossible the task can prove to be. At Roomlala, we understand that organising 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: a homestay. Discover how to make the most of the Foire du Valais 2026 while sticking to your budget, and immerse yourself in the heart of Valaisan hospitality.

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

Prepare 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 sets the pace for the economic and social life of French-speaking Switzerland, will be centred this year around the magical theme of cinema. Furthermore, 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 absolute record of over 254,000 people reached in 2025. Faced with this human tide, the small town of Martigny and its surroundings see their capacity saturated months in advance. Finding accommodation in Martigny then becomes an obstacle course, 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 take on their full meaning. At Roomlala, we observe a spectacular rise in searches for alternative accommodation in the Valais canton 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 get back behind the wheel to drive tens of kilometres in the middle of the night.

Opting for traditional accommodation during this critical period often means accepting the sacrifice of a large part of your leisure budget. This is why we encourage you to rethink your way of travelling. By turning to the locals who open their doors, you contribute to a circular and supportive economy, all while securing 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 pushing visitors to choose a homestay in Valais. During the Fair, hotel prices can easily double or even triple. By booking via a platform like Roomlala, rates remain stable and fair because they are set by individuals wishing to make use of an unoccupied 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 from Lausanne visiting for the first weekend of the Fair, looked for a hotel in September. The only available options exceeded 250 CHF per night. By opting for a homestay in Fully, just 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 gastronomic stands and take home a few good bottles of Fendant.

Moreover, staying in a homestay often helps 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 parking lots at the CERM, or use local public transport optimally. These little tips, when combined, 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 excitement during the day only to find yourself isolated in an impersonal hotel room at night. By renting a room with a local, 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 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 transforms a simple logistical stay into a genuine travel memory.

Finally, for seasonal workers, exhibitors, or students hired for the event, a homestay offers a restful and family-like setting, far from the tumult of Martigny's nights. It is an ideal decompression chamber. You benefit from the comfort of a real home in a quiet residential neighbourhood, 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 out 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 yourself a tenant of your home, the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) stipulates that you have the right to sublet a part of your apartment, but on one essential condition: you must obtain the prior consent of your landlord or property management company.

In practice, this process is simple but mandatory. You just need to send a written request to your property management specifying the terms of the subletting (the Fair period, the amount of rent requested, and the room concerned). The owner can only refuse if you refuse to communicate the terms to them, if the terms are abusive (for example, if you rent the room for much more than it costs you pro-rata), 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 peace of mind. We advise you to keep a written record of your landlord'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 humanly and financially, without the slightest legal stress.

Tourist tax and tax obligations

Hosting travellers is subject to certain administrative rules that should not be overlooked. In Martigny, as in most tourist municipalities in Valais, collecting 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 enquire directly with Martigny Tourisme or on the municipality's website (martigny.com) to find out the exact rate in force for 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, do not forget the tax aspect. In Switzerland, income generated by renting a furnished room, even for a short duration like the ten days of the Fair, constitutes taxable incidental income. You must therefore declare these amounts in your cantonal and municipal tax return. Rest assured, the costs linked to this rental (cleaning, electricity, breakfast if provided) can often be deducted. Keeping a small record of your arrivals and departures will greatly facilitate the task 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. Do not wait until September to start your search. As soon as the dates are confirmed (2 to 11 October 2026), start scouting 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 the best pick 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 will be welcoming into their home. If you are a host, be clear about the house rules: quiet hours, access to the bathroom, or handing over the keys.

Also, think about your mobility. Martigny is excellently served by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and regional trains. Rather than looking for a room absolutely in the Martigny city centre, broaden your search to neighbouring municipalities like Vernayaz, Saxon, or Fully. You will find even softer rates there, 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. 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!