From Saillon to Farinet footbridge

Saillon
-4/7°
Accessible to walkers of all abilities, this easy route will lead you from the village of Saillon to Farinet footbridge above the Salentse gorges.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
7.86 kmDuration
2:30 hDescription
Since June 2001, a 92-metre-long suspension footbridge – its super-lightweight structure seamlessly integrated into the surrounding countryside – has provided a peaceful crossing through the gorges of Salentse. From this perspective, hikers can discover splendid panoramic views of the plains, vineyards, hillsides and peaks surrounding the valley. Hans Erni’s famous “Colombe de la Paix” dove, attached to the cliff side at the heart of the via ferrata, keeps watch over the adventurers gazing down at the void beneath. At a dizzying height of 136 metres above the abyss where Farinet died, the footbridge is the final stage of a hike starting from the heart of Saillon village and passing through a number of important historical spots that tell the tale of the famous counterfeiter. It can be accessed by crossing the vineyard in Saillon or from the Les Places bus stop on the Route d’Ovronnaz.
Turn-by-turn directions
From the Place Farinet, take the path near the playground up through the vineyards. At the top of this first slope, turn left and walk past a pottery shop, before entering the village through the “Porte du Four”. Walk up the cobbled lane, then through the “Porte de Fully” and on up to the last houses in the village. Fifty metres after the fountain, follow the path up the steep slope. At the next junction, turn right following the yellow hiking signs. Climb through the vineyards, then join the tarmac road on the right. Go through a wooden gate and continue walking through the forest until you reach the footbridge, which you can cross while enjoying the view of the Salentze gorges. Return via the same path or the other side, via Montagnon and Produit, following the hiking signs. Follow the gravel road to the hamlet of Les Places. At the parking area, a yellow sign indicates the way down.
Start
Saillon (465m)
Destination
Saillon (465m)
Author's recommendation
Don't hesitate to stop off at the Vigne à Farinet and the Tête du Géant to discover these interesting sights.
Technical information
Altitude
844m
465m
Ascent
+440m
Descent
-440m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Take the 311 bus from Sion, Martigny or Riddes station to the ‘Saillon Collombeyres’ stop. Place Farinet is a two-minute walk from the stop.
If you want to shorten your walk, take the 312 bus from the ‘Leytron ancienne poste’ stop to Les Places. It's a 15-minute walk along a flat road to the footbridge.
Approach
Follow the A9 motorway and take exit 23 (Saxon) from Martigny, or 24 (Riddes) from Brig and drive in the direction of Saillon.
Parking
Park your car at the complimentary Place Farinet car park at the foot of the village or in the Parking des Remparts in the village.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion