Chemin du Vignoble: Branson - Saillon (stage 1)
Saillon
12/23°
<p>The first stage of the long-distance Chemin du Vignoble leads from near Martigny to the pretty medieval village of Saillon, through ancient terraced vineyards.</p> <p> </p>
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
12.03 kmDuration
3:30 h
Description
The Chemin du Vignoble (“Vineyard Trail”) leads through the sunny terraced vineyards on the north side of the Rhône valley, linking picturesque villages that have given their names to many of the most prestigious wines of Valais.
The route exists in three versions – for motorists, cyclists and walkers – which follow slightly different itineraries. The version for hikers (SwitzerlandMobility/Suisse Rando route 36) extends for 65 km over 4 stages, of which this walk from Branson to Saillon is the first.
The hike mostly skirts the upper edges of the winemaking villages, revealing sweeping views across the Rhône valley, the orchards that cover its floor, and the mountains beyond.
The climate here is exceptionally sunny and dry, which has given rise to Mediterranean-style vegetation with cacti as well as fig, olive and almond trees. Part of the route leads along a nature trail through an ancient chestnut forest, focus of an annual chestnut festival.
The sleepy villages along the way are full of charm, culminating in Saillon, recently voted the prettiest village in French-speaking Switzerland. Allow time for a stroll through its twisting alleys and up to its clifftop medieval castle, with panoramic views from the roof terrace.
Highlights:
- Winemaking villages – picturesque, historic and full of charm
- Mediterranean-style flora – thanks to the sunny, dry climate
- Saillon – medieval village with castle ruins and museum. Close by: “Vigne à Farinet” (world’s smallest vineyard, trail illustrated with stained-glass windows); “Passerelle à Farinet” (suspension footbridge over gorge), open-air theatre with falconry displays, etc.; “Les Bains de Saillon” thermal baths
Turn-by-turn directions
From its starting point at the bridge over the Rhône, the trail immediately begins climbing through the terraced vineyards to the village of Branson. Above Fully – considered capital of the Petite Arvine grape – the trail leads along a nature trail through a chestnut forest and down to a historical hydroelectric power station converted into an attractive performance venue (“La Belle Usine”). The trail does not descend to the centre of Fully, but follows a high line through the vineyards, skimming the upper edges of the winemaking villages of La Fontaine, Châtaignier, Saxé and Mazembroz. The route then drops down to the floor of the valley, following the Canal de Gru irrigation channel towards Saillon. A final climb leads to the heart of the medieval village.
Start
Branson, Pont du Rhône (462m)
Destination
Saillon village (509m)
Author's recommendation
Walk (or re-walk) the route in autumn, when the vineyards become a sea of red, yellow and gold.
Technical information
Altitude
625m
460m
Ascent
+480m
Descent
-420m
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
A9 motorway, exit 21 (Martigny-Fully). Follow signs to Fully. The walk begins at the bridge across the Rhône.
Parking
Park in Saillon, and take bus to start of walk. Follow the car park routeing in Saillon.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
