Crans-sur-Sierre has been a fixture on the European golf calendar since 1906, and it still hosts the Omega European Masters every year. The championship 18 was reworked by Seve Ballesteros in 1995 and it plays exactly as you’d expect from him – tree-lined fairways with enough room off the tee, but approaches that demand a bit of thought thanks to elevation changes and small, well-protected greens. The altitude adds noticeable carry to your shots, which is great fun until you fly the green on a short par four. Even mid-handicappers will find it playable from the forward tees; better players get the full European Tour experience without the gallery.

Hotel Olympic is a few minutes from the first tee. It’s family-run, properly central, and unpretentious – alpine-style rooms (many with balconies), a generous breakfast spread of Valais cheeses, breads and pastries, and Le Mayen downstairs for raclette, fondue and a decent regional wine list. Bars and restaurants are on the doorstep, so there’s no need for a car in the evenings. The area itself earns a couple of extra days. Cable cars run up to walking trails and viewpoints, Lac Grenon is good for a swim on a warm afternoon, and down in the valley Sierre has a wine museum and a string of small Valais producers worth visiting.