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Chamoson walks
                 The Farinet Footbridge
                The Farinet Footbridge            
            
        
                An autumn walk through the lands of Farinet, the Robin Hood of Valais, a beautiful climb through the vineyards to a spectacular footbridge that crosses the Salentze valley at a height of over 130 metres. There are no particular difficulties, but the footbridge is strongly discouraged for people who are prone to vertigo. The thermal baths of Saillon, 500 m from the finish, offer a great way to relax at the end of the day.            
            
            
    
                 Nendaz - Veysonnaz
                Nendaz - Veysonnaz            
            
         
        
        
                Two bisses are on the agenda for this third day. Very quickly in Nendaz, you will reach the "Bisse Vieux" against the current, then after Planchouet, you will stroll along the magnificent "Grand Bisse de Vex". Opposite, the Rhône valley is often visible, and you will clearly see the Derborance and Sanetsch valleys, Mont Gond, the Wildhorn and its glacier.            
            
            
    
                 La Tzoumaz - Nendaz
                La Tzoumaz - Nendaz            
            
         
        
        
                The elevation profile says it all about this day. Most of the route runs along the Grand Bisse de Saxon. This section has been beautifully restored. In Taillay, you will discover a water wheel and a hammer powered by the stream. This ingenious invention was an alarm signal. The sound of the hammer could be heard 2 km away. The absence of sound alerted the bisse guard. You will recognise the Muverans massif on the other side of the Rhône valley.            
            
            
    
                 Veysonnaz - Vernamiège
                Veysonnaz - Vernamiège            
            
         
        
        
                The fourth day is a long stage, using a variation on the "Chemin des Bisses" trail from La Luette.
This interesting alternative in hot weather allows you to reach Vernamiège via a new trail created in 2015, "La Luette-Ossona-Les Prixes", via the Grande Combe footbridge. The elevation gain is less than on the traditional route. You will follow the large Bisse de Vex to the Mayens de Sion. You will pass through two typical villages in the Val d'Hérens: Hérémence and Euseigne.            
            
            
    
                 From Les Fracherets to La Barboleuse by road
                From Les Fracherets to La Barboleuse by road            
            
        
                The aim of this hike is to be able to walk without the risk of falling on steep, slippery slopes after heavy rain.
Once you have completed the initial climb, it is all downhill.
The starting point can be reached on foot from La Barboleuse or, more conveniently, by bus from Villars sur Ollon or La Barboleuse. The bus stop is called Les Fracherets. You can even go to the bus terminus, which saves you a few dozen metres of elevation gain.            
            
            
    
                 Col des Planches - La Tzoumaz
                Col des Planches - La Tzoumaz            
            
         
        
        
                During this first stage, you will discover part of the Old Saxon Bisse (the longest of the bisse: 26 km from its water source in Siviez to La Boveresse). The bisse starts at the point (6). Built in the 1850s, the pipes no longer exist, so you will have to wait until you reach La Tzoumaz to finally see water flowing along the path. The bisse is currently being restored in sections.            
            
            
    
                 From Col des Planches to Grimentz via the bisses trail
                From Col des Planches to Grimentz via the bisses trail            
            
         
        
        
                The word "bisse" is used in Valais to refer to irrigation channels that carry water from the mountains to cultivated land. They can be buried in the ground, carved into the rock or suspended from cliffs. Some bisses are over 500 years old and their pipes are damaged or no longer exist due to landslides. Water is therefore not available everywhere, despite efforts to restore this precious heritage.
Over six days, you will discover these trails steeped in history.            
            
            
    
                 Les Diablerets, Col du Pillon and Glacier 3000
                Les Diablerets, Col du Pillon and Glacier 3000            
            
        
                From the start, there is a 27% slope, then 40% under the cliff, with a few passages requiring cables. A large part of the 6.9 km route is blue and white.
A physically demanding hike, but what a reward at the summit! In good weather, the Peak to Peak is a bonus.            
            
            
    
                 Mex - Chindonne
                Mex - Chindonne            
            
         
        
        
                During this beautiful stage of the Tour des Dents du Midi, you will cross pastures and forests to reach Chindonne. As the stage is quite short, you will not miss climbing the Dent de Valerette, a magnificent viewpoint. You will then enjoy a panoramic view of the Dents du Midi and the Rhône valley.            
            
            
    
                 Below the Moine, Col de Séron and summit of La Chaux from Lake Rétaud
                Below the Moine, Col de Séron and summit of La Chaux from Lake Rétaud            
            
         
        
        
                A loop with a mountain atmosphere facing the imposing Diablerets massif, with a return trip to the Col de Seron. In the second part, you will have a view of the Oberland peaks in the distance. Not to mention the small Lac Rétaud in its setting, to be admired at the end of the day.            
            
            
    
                 Six Blanc mountain, Mont Brûlé and Col de Mille
                Six Blanc mountain, Mont Brûlé and Col de Mille            
            
         
        
        
                A challenging loop with alternating gentle climbs and easy descents, offering magnificent views of the Val de Bagne on one side and Orsières on the other. There are also numerous views of the French and Swiss Alps in good weather.            
            
            
    
                 Circular Marecot from Salvan
                Circular Marecot from Salvan            
            
        
                A circular route around Salvan, passing through Le Marecot.
Follow the route with the Visorando app            
            
            
    
                 Salvan - Auberge de Salanfe
                Salvan - Auberge de Salanfe            
            
         
        
        
                From the hamlet of Les Granges to Van d'en Bas, you will climb up the Dailley Gorge via daring constructions, footbridges, galleries and vertiginous stairways. The Salanfe river rushes down the steep gorges in several stages. The view is breathtaking. You will enjoy numerous views of the Alpine peaks.
You will cross the magnificent Vallon de Van. In the evening in Salanfe, you can already admire the Dents du Midi rising behind the lake            
            
            
    
                 Tour of the Dents du Midi and Petits Perrons
                Tour of the Dents du Midi and Petits Perrons            
            
         
        
        
                Starting in Salvan and ending in Les Marécottes (VS, Switzerland), this hike is almost a loop. The route is a combination of several tours. In the Val de Trient, you will discover the Dailley Gorges and the Van Valley.
You will complete the entire Tour des Dents du Midi and enjoy this magnificent mountain range and the Sauflaz Gorge.
You will make a short detour to the Tour des Dents Blanches, which you can admire from the Barme plateau.            
            
            
    
                 Vernamiège - Vercorin
                Vernamiège - Vercorin            
            
         
        
        
                This fifth day will take you to the charming village of Vercorin. You will once again overlook the Rhône Valley as you pass through Nax, a pretty winter sports resort. Then you will gradually enter the deep valley of Réchy. You will admire the La Rèche torrent at the bottom of the valley, then begin the pleasant and peaceful route along the Bisse de Vercorin. In Vercorin, you can marvel at the many mazots (traditional houses) built on stilts.            
            
            
    
                 Circular Tour of Sex Rouge including the Summit
                Circular Tour of Sex Rouge including the Summit            
            
         
        
        
                This walk starts in Anzere and uses the cable car to the Pas de Maimbre.
The walk takes you around the Sex Rouge and includes the short but steep ascent to the summit for the great views across the Pennine Alps. It descends to pass the Cabane de Audannes and then through the Combe des Andins to Serin. After this is uses one of the established Bisse walks to return to Anzere.
⚠️(Note in 2024 the path between point 2616m and the col at La Selle was affected by a landslide and is unsafe. This route uses a deviation set up by local mountain guides; it is marked with posts but is not yet as obvious as it will be, once it is used by many people)            
            
            
    
                 Combe de Serin, Serin and return to Anzere via the Bisses
                Combe de Serin, Serin and return to Anzere via the Bisses            
            
         
        
        
                Starting from the Anzere cable car station this walk follows a piste before heading uphill into an alpine pasture where the path all but disappears, this section is short as you soon pick up a better track to the Combe de Serin and a descend to the alpine pastures at Serin. You then take the waymarked paths back through the forest and beside the Bisse to Anzere. A varied and interesting walk with great views.            
            
            
    
                 Auberge de Salanfe - Mex
                Auberge de Salanfe - Mex            
            
         
        
        
                During this stage of the Tour des Dents du Midi, at the Col du Jorat you will enjoy a panoramic view to the south of the peaks on the border with Italy. You will probably recognise the Matterhorn. You will also have a bird's eye view of the Lac de Salanfe, with the Dôme de la Sallière in the background. To the north, the Rhône valley awaits you. In the small village of Mex, nestled on a plateau, several viewpoints offer views of the villages in the valley, all the way to Lake Geneva.            
            
            
    
                 Auberge de Salanfe - Emosson Dam
                Auberge de Salanfe - Emosson Dam            
            
         
        
        
                During this second stage, after the Col d'Emaney, you will be enchanted by the peaceful Alpage d'Emaney. During the ascent of the Col de Fenestral, you will be surprised by the beauty of the Lac de Blantsin. The Col de Fenestral offers a panoramic view of the entire eastern part of the Mont Blanc massif.            
            
            
    
                 Auberge de Salanfe - Cabane du Vieux Emosson
                Auberge de Salanfe - Cabane du Vieux Emosson            
            
         
        
        
                A long day leading to Lac d'Emosson via the Col d'Emaney and Col de Barberine. Descent to Lac d'Emosson, then Col de la Gueulaz and the final climb to the Cabane du Vieux Emosson.            
            
            
    
                 Auberge de Salanfe - Les Marécottes
                Auberge de Salanfe - Les Marécottes            
            
         
        
        
                This final stage will take you back to Les Marécottes station, very close to the starting point in Salvan. The Salanfe glacier cirque is located at the crossroads of numerous hiking trails. You will finish your tour via the Col de la Golette, which is not very busy. The passage is quite narrow and the start of the descent is equipped with chains. At the pass, you can enjoy one last view of the Dents du Midi and Lake Salanfe. To the east, you can enjoy the panorama of the Valais Alps.            
            
            
    
                 Valais Day 2: Cabane de Louvie - Cabane de Prafleuri (Louvie Hut - Prafleuri Hut)
                Valais Day 2: Cabane de Louvie - Cabane de Prafleuri (Louvie Hut - Prafleuri Hut)            
            
         
        
        
                Second stage of this hike crossing two passes, Louvie Pass and Prafleuri Pass, both snow-covered.            
            
            
    
                 Valais Day 3: Cabane de Prafleuri - Gîte de La Sage (Prafleuri Hut - La Sage Lodge)
                Valais Day 3: Cabane de Prafleuri - Gîte de La Sage (Prafleuri Hut - La Sage Lodge)            
            
         
        
        
                An unusual stage today: it starts with a downhill hike before a long climb uphill, a second descent and a ski lift ride followed by a walk over flatland and a bus ride to the lodge.            
            
            
    
                 From Leysin to Les Diablerets
                From Leysin to Les Diablerets            
            
         
        
        
                A beautiful hike in the Vaud Alps. This route offers a wide variety of landscapes. You will discover the Tours d'Aï, Mayen and Famelon. From the Col de la Pierre du Moëllé, you can enjoy a view of Lake Hongrin.
Along the route, there are numerous panoramic viewpoints over the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.            
            
            
    
                 Leysin - Les Mosses
                Leysin - Les Mosses            
            
         
        
        
                This first stage will take you from Leysin, at the foot of the famous Aï, Mayen and Famelon towers, to the Col des Mosses. From the Col de la Pierre du Moëllé, you can enjoy a view of Lake Hongrin.
Along the route, there are numerous panoramic viewpoints over the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.            
            
            
    
                 Lake Lioson and Pic Chaussy
                Lake Lioson and Pic Chaussy            
            
         
        
        
                After reaching the beautiful Lake Lioson, you will hike through stunning scenery to climb to the summit of Pic Chaussy, where you can enjoy a panoramic view. The descent is on another slope, still in stunning scenery, with another lake at the end.            
            
            
    
                 Brunet Hut - Panossière Hut
                Brunet Hut - Panossière Hut            
            
         
        
        
                The route passes through the Col des Avouillons before descending to the rest of the Corbassière glacier, which is crossed via a spectacular 200 m long footbridge over a 70 m drop. The high mountains reveal themselves after the pass in a grandiose setting.            
            
            
    
                 Tour de Mayen
                Tour de Mayen            
            
         
        
        
                The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour de Mayen is slightly lower than its neighbour, not as busy and provides a more wilderness setting. The climb is progressive with two stages, the Chalets de Mayen and Segray Lake. Just beneath the summit, a very clear view of Lac Léman, les Diablerets, le Chablais, les dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.            
            
            
    
                 Tour d'AÏ
                Tour d'AÏ            
            
        
                The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour d'AÏ is slightly higher than its neighbour, and also visited more frequently. It's a progressive climb which offers an aerial tour at the very end. Amazing views of Lac Léman, le Chablais, les Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif from the summit.            
            
            
    
                 Champex-Lac to Trient -Tour Mont Blanc
                Champex-Lac to Trient -Tour Mont Blanc            
            
        
                This 8th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) offers two options, the tough one via Fenetre D'Arpette and the somewhat easier option over Porte à l'Ô. Here's the second version, past Plan de L' au, over Alpage de Bovine and Porte à l'Ô, past the Col de la Forclaz to drop down to Trient. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.            
            
            
    
                 Champex - Trient
                Champex - Trient            
            
         
        
        
                stage 7 of the Tour du Mont Blanc from Champex (Switzerland) to Trient via the Col de la Forclaz.            
            
            
    
                 Le Belvedere
                Le Belvedere            
            
         
        
        
                This is a variation on the Sentier Le Belvedere walk which is described in the Pays du St-Bernard tourist booklet.            
            
            
    
                 Sentier du Bisse
                Sentier du Bisse            
            
         
        
        
                A short and easy walk from Champex Lac, taking the well signposted and good paths beside the Bisse. These are the water channels made to control and route the flow of water for irrigation purposes. The path returns to Champex via part of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) path.            
            
            
    
                 Champex to Cabane d'Orny and return via La Breya summit and ski lift.
                Champex to Cabane d'Orny and return via La Breya summit and ski lift.            
            
         
        
        
                A circular walk from Champex Lac; ascending the tranquil and beautiful Combe d'Orny and joining the path to the Cabane d'Orny where there are refreshments available. The descent is via the path back to the La Breya ski lift taking in an optional ascent of La Breya. (It is also possible to descend by foot via the Val d' Arpette or from the ski lift, similarly the walk can be shortened and height gain reduced by taking the ski lift up.)            
            
            
    
                 Champex to Cabane d'Orny via the Col de la Breya.
                Champex to Cabane d'Orny via the Col de la Breya.            
            
         
        
        
                A circular walk from Champex Lac; ascending via the Bisses to the Arpette valley and then taking the path uphill through forest to the Col de la Breya. Then descending and joining the path to the Cabane d'Orny (refreshments available). The descent is via the path back to the La Breya chair lift taking in an optional ascent of La Breya.            
            
            
    
                 6th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)
                6th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)            
            
         
        
        
                6th stage of the Mont Blanc tour: from the Relais d'Arpette to the Forclaz Pass via la Fenêtre d'Arpette.            
            
            
    
                 Valais Day 1: Fionay - Cabane de Louvie (Louvie Hut)
                Valais Day 1: Fionay - Cabane de Louvie (Louvie Hut)            
            
         
        
        
                First stage of this trek linking Fionay village to Saas Fee. A pleasant stage reaching Louvie Hut (la Cabane de Louvie) built on the edge of Louvie Lake.            
            
            
    
                 Trek from Fionay to Saas-Fee
                Trek from Fionay to Saas-Fee            
            
         
        
        
                In the Swiss valley, this particularly pleasant hike allows you to explore the many 4000 m peaks that surround the route.
N.B. this route is outlined on Openmap which doesn't have the details of our fine IGN maps. Before being able to get your hands on a Swiss map, which are more precise, the route and GPS layouts will be handy for this pleasant trek.            
            
            
    
                 Les Mosses - Les Diablerets
                Les Mosses - Les Diablerets            
            
         
        
        
                This second stage will take you from the Col des Mosses to the renowned resort of Les Diablerets. The Aï, Mayen and Famelon towers will accompany you for much of the way and you will see them from different angles. The route also offers numerous panoramic views of the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.            
            
            
    
                 Cabane de Mille - Cabane Brunet
                Cabane de Mille - Cabane Brunet            
            
         
        
        
                This stage was shortened due to bad weather. The plan was to go via Mont Rogneux. This is a short stage that allows you to avoid Mont Rogneux when it is in thick fog. However, if the weather improves in the afternoon, it is possible to climb from the Cabane Brunet to the Goli des Otanes. You will then walk alongside pastures where Herens cows graze.            
            
            
    
                 Cabane de Mille - FXB Panossière hut
                Cabane de Mille - FXB Panossière hut            
            
         
        
        
                Between Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, the Grand Combin stands out from everywhere. Forming the border between Switzerland and Italy, and the boundary between the Grand Saint-Bernard valley and the Val de Bagne, it rises to 4,314 m. The tour takes seven days; I added an extra day to visit the Fenêtres lakes, the icing on the cake. Each stage offers alpine accommodation.            
            
            
    
                 Pointe d'Orny : out and return from the La Breya ski lift.
                Pointe d'Orny : out and return from the La Breya ski lift.            
            
         
        
        
                An ascent of an easy alpine peak starting from the La Breya ski lift and via the Orny and Trient mountain huts. Superb views over the Trient Plateau.            
            
            
    
                 7th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)
                7th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)            
            
        
                7th stage of the TMB: from Forclaz pass to Montroc            
            
            
    
                 Along the Bisse du Trient
                Along the Bisse du Trient            
            
         
        
        
                Starting from Col de la Forclaz (1527m), a short and easy out-and-back walk along the Bisse du Trient (irrigation channel) to the Chalet du Glacier (1583m), which offers a fine view of the Glacier du Trient and the Petite Pointe d'Orny (3187m).
⚠️ Part of the trail has been damaged by a landslide. Bypassing is possible, but the walk is not accessible for baby carriages and wheelchairs (see practical info).            
            
            
    
                 Trient to Tré-le-Champ - Tour Monte Blanc
                Trient to Tré-le-Champ - Tour Monte Blanc            
            
        
                This 9th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) offers three options, the North-West one that climbs up almost to the summit of Carraye (t 2,132m) and drops down to Valorcine, the South-West past Col de Balme (at 2,191m) then drops to Le Tour or the middle option that goes over Col de Balme and Aiguilette des Posettes (at 2,210m) to drop down to Tré-le-Champ. Here's the description of the classic middle option. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.            
            
            
    
                 Tête Noire
                Tête Noire            
            
        
                Short loop to visit the Grotte aux Nymphes.
Well-equipped and mainly shaded trail.
The descent to the Grotte aux Nymphes is steep. The climb back up is gentler. You can do this hike in the opposite direction if you prefer a slow descent and a steep climb.
Please note: in summer 2025, the Grotte aux Nymphes was not accessible due to construction work.            
            
            
    
                 Col de Balme - Source de l'Arve - Col des Posettes from Le Tour
                Col de Balme - Source de l'Arve - Col des Posettes from Le Tour            
            
        
                A short summer hike with exceptional panoramic views over the Chamonix valley and its massifs. There are several ways to approach it from Le Tour: the one shown is from the East, using the Charamillon cable car and the Autannes chairlift. The return journey is via the Charamillon cable car.            
            
            
    
                 Refuge Albert 1er - Glacier du Tour
                Refuge Albert 1er - Glacier du Tour            
            
         
        
        
                Located above the Tour glacier, on its right bank, it is the only refuge managed by the Chamonix CAF that can be reached without crossing a glacier in summer. Its location is ideal, with views over a wide range of peaks: Aiguille du Tour, Chardonnet, Aiguille d'Argentière, la Verte and les Drus, les Aiguilles Rouges. It was named after Albert 1st, King of the Belgians. Considered the only high-mountain refuge accessible to families.            
            
            
     
                 
         
         Visorando member
Visorando member Association / Club / Walk leader
Association / Club / Walk leader