Chemin des villages d’Evolène
Evolène
-6/-1°
Tour of the historical villages of the upper Val d’Hérens. Beautifully preserved, they bear witness to traditional life in the Valais mountains.
Difficulty
EasyLength
11.09 kmDuration
3:25 h
Description
A cluster of well-preserved historical villages forms the cultural and social heart of the upper Val d’Hérens. Evolène and Les Haudères, the two largest, lie among the low meadows on the valley floor. Three other villages – La Forclaz, La Sage and Villaz – stand on a glacial terrace that makes a sunny balcony about 300 metres higher up, surrounded by pastures. The villages have lovingly restored their characteristic wooden houses and barns, beautifully decorated with flowers. Evolène was voted the prettiest village in French-speaking Switzerland in 2012, and is an official Swiss heritage site – like Les Haudères. Framed by alpine meadows and fragrant forests, they have retained all their historical charm. The pastures that surround the villages are the ancestral home of the stocky black cows of the Herens breed, which take their name from the valley – and have become a symbol of Valais. These combative cows fight naturally in order to establish a hierarchy in the herd; hikers will often see pairs lock horns until one turns tail. Organised fights are a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike; the cows’ Raclette cheese, served melted, is prized throughout Switzerland.
Highlights:
- Historical villages of wooden houses and barns, beautifully preserved
- Walk on two levels – valley floor and sunny glacial terrace 300 m higher
- Cultural heart of upper valley: markets with farmers and artisans in traditional costume
Turn-by-turn directions
The loop of villages leads anti-clockwise from Evolène. For the most direct route to Les Haudères, follow the path southwards out of the village to cross the river La Borgne, and walk upstream along its western bank all the way to Les Haudères. From here the trail zig-zags steeply up the slope to La Forclaz, before turning northwards to lead back down the Val d’Hérens at a higher level – through the villages of La Sage and Villaz (also spelt Villa). From here, the trail winds down the slope again to the floor of the valley and the starting point in Evolène.
Start
Evolène, village (1377m)
Destination
Evolène, village (1378m)
Author's recommendation
The valley is also known for its fascinating geology, which visitors can explore with the help of a free app, «GéoGuide Val d’Hérens» (www.evolene-geologie.ch). Les Haudères has its own «Centre de géologie et de glaciologie», with a permanent exhibition; the tourist office at Evolène can provide further printed information.
Technical information
Altitude
1730m
1342m
Ascent
+500m
Descent
-500m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
