Hikes
From Saillon to Farinet footbridge
Saillon
8/21°
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
EasyLength
7.88 kmDuration
2:30 h
Description
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 Place Farinet in Saillon, pass the medieval castle via the Sentier des Vitraux (a path adorned with stained-glass artworks), which will take you past the famous counterfeit money museum (Musée de la Fausse Monnaie), before heading to the large park via Rue des Remparts. Once you’ve arrived at the “Destin” stained-glass window, take a left onto the road leading towards Farinet vineyard, and then turn right for the footbridge, following the yellow hiking signposts. Next, climb up a steep path through the vineyards. When you reach the top, take the tarmacked road branching off to the right. After following a straight line into the forest, continue on the path towards the “Clairière des Légendes” clearing and its picnic place, then tackle the dizzying footbridge overlooking the Salentse gorges. To return to the start, you can either take the same path or the path on the other side of the slope, via Montagnon and Produit, following the hiking signposts.
Start
Saillon (465m)
Destination
Saillon (465m)
Author's recommendation
Stop for a picnic next to the footbridge to take in the panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, the Via Farinetta and the Salentse gorges.
Technical information
Altitude
844m
465m
Ascent
+440m
Descent
-440m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
From Geneva or Brig, take the train to Riddes station. Then take the post bus and get off at the stop of the old post office of Leytron. A second bus will take you to the Collombeyres stop in Saillon, about 200 meters from Place Farinet.
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
Leave your car in the large free car park of the Bains de Saillon.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
