Chemin du Vignoble
Overview
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Distance 35 km
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Ascent 500 m
Intro
An energetic up and down on a steep sun-kissed southern slope, through well-tended vineyards, small wine villages and historic spots such as Saillon with the mini-vineyard of forger Farinet and Chamoson, with the octagonal tower of St-Pierre-de-Clages.
Description
Martigny is nestled between bend between forest, rocks and vines on the bend in the River Rhone. The newer district centres around the Place Centrale with its attractive arcades. The castle of La Bâtiaz stands guard above the wooden bridge and was commissioned by the Bishop of Sitten, Landri de Mont, in 1232, as a means to control the strategically important road to the Great St. Bernard pass. The snow-capped mountains in this valley formed by the meandering Rhone are a sight to see.
This stage takes you along the steep southern slope through Martigny’s wine-growing areas to Leuk. The route, which is known as the “Chemin du vignoble” (“Vineyard Trail”), could not be more aptly named. The trees here often bend upwards into the valley, showing that the valley wind, which only changes direction as the air cools in the evening, is stronger than the mountain wind in this area. You can taste excellent wines at many places along the route, such as in the spread-out village of Fully. Ther water pumps on the “Canal de Gru” are fitted with hoses that distribute “liquid gold” to the many local vegetable fields as proud patrons watch harvesters at work.
With their attractive, ancient town with its well-preserved fortifications and castle of the Dukes of Savoy. the residents of Saillon also have reason to be proud Are they just as proud of their local celebrity, the infamous forger Joseph Samuel Farinet? Well, they did found the Museum of Counterfeiting and plant three vines in his honour to create the “world’s smallest vineyard”...
Following the lovely smell of the gnarled coniferous trees in Ardon, you cross the La Lizerne river on a narrow pedestrian and ycle bridge. Vétroz is home to the “White Amigne” grape variety, which is thought to have been introduced to the area by the Romans. There is a cozy mini amphitheatre in the heart of the village, with a sign that reads: “welcome to Savièse”. We recommend saving the trip up to the village for another day. The villages seem to cling, left and right, to the sides of the Rhone Valley. After La Muraz, the route zigzags adventurously down to Sion, the capital of Valais canton. And what a contrast! In Sion, things are suddenly bustling once again. The city is definitely worth a visit, though: the old town has a captivating French flair, while the imposing Bietschhorn peak glimmers in the distance and the two rock bastions housing the impressive Château de Tourbillon watch over the city.
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 |
Martigny
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Sion
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| Ascent |
500 m
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| Descent |
300 m
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| Distance |
35 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
34 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
Through a vineyard
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Quick Facts
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