Hikes

From Saillon to Farinet footbridge

Ab der Ebene steigt der Weg durch den Weinberg von Saillon leicht an

Saillon

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

Intermediate

Length

7.86 km

Duration

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 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

  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Round trip
  • Cultural/historical interest
Getting there
Information

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.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download) 

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, with spaces in which to meet up and benefit from unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to benefit them properly, it is essential that mountains are treated in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to practice their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

Best practice guidelines

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time. 

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourist office provides you with hiking brochures of the region.

Maps

SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 1305 Dent de Morcles

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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