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.
Park in Champex Lac at the parking beside the lake opposite the Hotel du Glacier. If full, there is plenty of parking at the ski lift near point (5) but if you park there, you will shorten the walk.
(D/A) From the parking, take the obvious path towards the lake, pass a large information board and look out for a path across the marsh just after the small stream.
(1) Turn right onto the path which runs beside the stream and then up towards the woods. It bends right and crosses some wooden boards to a section with a wider stream/pond on the left and marshland behind that. At the end of this section, there is a path on the left.
(2) Turn left and follow the path up through the trees to emerge on a road leading to the Relais d'Arpette.
(5) Cross over the road and follow the grassy track down to pass under the ski lift where there is a signpost for the Sentier du Bisse. Follow the path with the stream initially on your left but as you walk uphill, there are steps and bridges which cross the Bisse at various points. You will see how it is has been made and will pass some sluice gates. Eventually, you will ascend to a junction with the TMB path.
(3) Turn right and continue to follow the path uphill beside the Bisse until you arrive at the road just before the Relais d'Arpette.
(4) At the road, turn around and back track to (3).
(3) Then, take the right hand track (TMB) which descends above the Bisse and eventually joining the Sentier du Bisse again just before the ski lift. Walk under the lift back to the road.
(5) Turn right and walk uphill for a few meters before turning off on the left on a track into the woods. Follow the track called Sentier du Lac through the woods to a much better track for vehicles. You will emerge from the trees with pasture on either side and ski tow. Look out for the path on the left which descends beside the pasture and with a house on the right back to the lakeside path point (1) and the parking (D/A).
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Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 1,469 m - Car park
1 : km 0.07 - alt. 1,468 m - Small stream
2 : km 0.48 - alt. 1,479 m
3 : km 1.76 - alt. 1,570 m
4 : km 2.01 - alt. 1,622 m - Relais d'Arpette
5 : km 3.27 - alt. 1,494 m
D/A : km 4.1 - alt. 1,468 m
You could call in at the Relais d'Arpette for refreshments if you wanted to.
Good paths and easy walking mean that this can be done in trainers or running shoes.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
The formation of the Bisse is interesting.
This is a variation on the Sentier Le Belvedere walk which is described in the Pays du St-Bernard tourist booklet.
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 Mont Blanc tour: from the Relais d'Arpette to the Forclaz Pass via la Fenêtre d'Arpette.
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.)
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.
A circular walk in the lower part of the Swiss Val Ferret. One of the walks publicized by the tourist office and well signposted. There are information boards (in French) about the construction of traditional barns made from local stone and timber. Easy walking, navigation and some interesting information. The first section is on a quiet road.
A lovely circular walk for a half day out which is good if the weather is forecast to deteriorate in the afternoon. It can also be extended if you want a longer walk. Amazing views from the top of Plan Monnay.
7th stage of the TMB: from Forclaz pass to Montroc
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.