Chemin des Bisses
Overview
-
-
Distance 16 km
-
Duration 5 h
-
Ascent 740 m
Intro
Wonderful high-level hike above the Rhone Valley through Valais villages, on down into Vallon de Réchy. From the head of the Grand Bisse de Vercorin alongside the open suone (irrigation channels) to Réfuge du Bisse. Lovely old centre at the church in Vercorin.
Description
St. Martin is located at an altitude of around 1,411 metres in a sun-trap above the La Borgne stream at the exit of the Val d’Hérens. You have a superb view of the pyramids of Euseigne from here. These structures, ten to fifteen metres high, were created by centuries of erosion processes. The resilient stone blocks on the top protect the softer moraine material underneath from erosion and give the pyramids their distinctive shape.
The municipality of St. Martin comprises a total of nine hamlets, two of which you pass on the way uphill towards Prarion. Alpine and livestock farming still plays an important role in this region. Traditions such as baking in community ovens, which bring together the entire population several times a year, are still part of everyday celebrations. The cattle are driven out to the alpine pastures in early summer.
Once you leave the villages behind, the path plunges into the forest and briefly follows the Bisse de St. Martin. The path continues to meander as far as Le Mayen des Pras, where a picnic area is available for hikers. The “Maiensässe” or summer residences were traditionally used by farmers as temporary accommodation during the summer months when they brought their cattle to the high mountain pastures. You then reach the next bisse, which meets the Bisse de Tsa Crêta, and go on through the forest to the idyllic Lac de Vernamiège. The woodland lake in the middle of the larch and fir forest offers the perfect opportunity to restore your energies.
The final section of this hiking stage leads to the destination in Nax, with its fantastic views across the Rhone Valley. The municipality is located on a terrace at an altitude of 1,268 metres and is part of the Mont-Noble region.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
St-Martin
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Nax
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1200 m
|
| Ascent |
740 m
|
| Descent |
880 m
|
| Distance |
16 km
|
| Duration |
5 h
|
| Duration back |
5 h
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
May - October
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
Quick Facts
Route number
