Delve into the off-beat collections of the Counterfeit Money Museum and discover the captivating story of Farinet, the counterfeiter of Saillon.
Situated in the heart of the medieval village of Saillon, this unique museum presents the complete history of Swiss money, both official and counterfeit. The visitor will encounter coins from the time of the Gauls to the present day, information on the new Swiss banknotes, and fascinating stories surrounding local counterfeiter Joseph-Samuel Farinet.
Three zones dedicated to money
The museum is divided into three zones: “genuine money”, with an overview of the latest banknote manufacturing techniques; “counterfeit money”, with a presentation of the sanctions of the time, as well as recent material seized by the police in 2023; and “Farinet”, the emblematic figure of the counterfeiter with a heart of gold.
A temporary exhibition
Since October, our museum has been exhibiting a 16-metre piece of embroidery created by 250 volunteers from La Bayardine. This work recounts the legend of the tragic love of Guigone and Anselme, which is also the theme of the great medieval festivals to be held in Saillon from 12 to 14 September 2025.
Timetable
| April to October | November to March |
|---|---|
| Wednesday to Saturday: 2pm to 5pm | Friday to Sunday: 2pm to 5pm |
Practical info
Prices
- Adults (aged 16 and over): CHF 5.00
- Children: free
- Groups (from 10 people) : CHF 3.00 / person
- School class: CHF 25.00
Organise a guided tour
Tour the museum with a guide specialising in counterfeiting. You can also discover embroidery with its creator.
Park your car
Park your vehicle in one of the free car parks:
- Place des Remparts, in the village of Saillon
- Place Farinet, at the foot of the village
- Saillon thermal baths
Getting here by public transport
Take the 311 bus from Martigny CFF, Riddes CFF or Sion CFF stations to the Saillon Collombeyres stop. Walk 10-15 minutes to the village.
Restaurants in the village
