Otherwise known as the Venice of the Alps, Annecy, the capital of Haute-Savoie is a historic well-preserved medieval town with a beautiful lake and many festivals.
This 11th century castle is located within walking distance of Montreux - the beautiful lakeside Swiss town famous for its Jazz festival.
Spend an afternoon viewing the tower, courtyards, dungeons and numerous rooms containing weapons, utensils and frescos.
The Pierre Gianadda Foundation in Martigny has a main theme art exhibit which changes every season as well as permanent museums and exhibits including the automobile museum, Gallo-Roman museum and a sculpture park. See the website or the chamonix.net events section for current exhibits.