The Bisses of Nendaz

The route starts at the Bleusy Chapel, which can be reached from Haute Nendaz via the road to Siviez. It is also accessible by post bus. The chapel is situated just below the road to Siviez, opposite a large inn.

(S/E) From the chapel, walk down a few metres to find the path that runs alongside the middle bisse, and turn right. At this point, the channel is not visible but can be seen a few dozen metres further on. Soon, you can hear the sound of the channel as the path that follows it winds its way between the chalets. After crossing a torrent that feeds into the bisse, woods and meadows follow one after the other. In the heart of a denser section of woodland, a massive wolf blocks the path.

(1) This wolf is quite alarming but fortunately harmless. Continue following the stream upstream until you reach an area where chalets dot the valley as it narrows. You soon reach the bisse’s water intake and the bridge crossing the Printse.

(2) Turn right immediately after the bridge to head up the right bank of the river. You’ll soon come across the Bisse de Vex just below its water intake, then continue towards the road leading to the hamlet of Planchouet.

(3) At the road, turn right and follow the hairpin bend leading to the Siviez road. Once you reach it, cross over and approach the old bisse running just above.

(4) Although the water flow in this bisse is not as strong as in the lower bisse, the layout of the area is similar and the wooded path that follows the channel remains largely level. A few carved gnomes and animals brighten up the first part of the path until the channel literally plunges down to the lower level.

(5) To cushion the fall of the water, a beautiful wooden hand has been carved and installed at the outlet of the lower channel. Continue the descent until you cross the Quâtro torrent and its log staircase designed to protect the bisse.

(6) After this torrent, the route overlooks an area where the chalets become more numerous. It is not long before you come out onto a small road that serves some of them.

(7). Follow this road as it curves increasingly to the left.

(8) When the road makes its first bend to the right, leave the bank of the bisse – which you’ll let continue towards Haute Nendaz – and follow the road for about fifty metres, then turn left onto the path that descends the slope. It soon comes out onto the road again. Head straight ahead, slightly to the right, to follow the Parcoursvita (fitness trail). Leave the trail at the first bend to continue the descent to the left; then, after a final bend to the right, you’ll rejoin the middle bisse.

(9) You’ll rejoin the channel you followed at the start of the route, and once again enjoy its refreshing gurgling sound. As it climbs, the bisse draws closer to the road, which you eventually cross

(10) To continue the walk, you must cross to the other side. Following the channel as it winds its way between the chalets, you eventually return to the Bleuzy Chapel. Be careful, as you can walk right past the chapel without realising it. A landmark: when the bisse fades from view and the path climbs, you’ll see a barn in a very poor state on the left. That’s where you need to turn right to return to the chapel (S/E).

The main difficulty with this route is finding a parking space. At present, there are no restrictions on using the car park at the Auberge du Bleuzy, which is unusual. You may prefer to take the rural bus, which stops just above the chapel.

There are places to eat in one of the inns in Planchouet.

At the bridge over the Printse (2), you can choose to leave the riverbank and head up towards the Planchouet chapel. Simply follow the steep road leading up to it. The detour is well worth it to admire this tiny wooden chapel. Continue along the road to reach the point (3) after the two inns. Alternatively, from the point (3), head back to the left to find the chapel. It’s a little longer but less steep.