Hikes

Mont-Blanc Balcony Trail

Balcon des Mont-Blanc-Weg

Finhaut-Emosson

2/9°

Learn more about the Finhaut-Emosson region thanks to the explanatory panels along this hike offering a privileged view of the Mont-Blanc massif.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

8.41 km

Duration

3:10 h
Balcon des Mont-Blanc-Weg
Balcon du Mont-Blanc Weg
Balconweg des Mont-Blanc
Balcon du Mont-Blanc-Weg

Description

This educational trail takes you from Finhaut to Six Jeur, above Emosson, introducing you to the local flora and fauna, as well as some geological features such as the glacial cirque of Fenestral. Explore varied nature, between marshy areas, meadows, alpine pasture, glacial moraine, and rocky areas, and be surprised by foot and hand prints engraved in 1927 by Louis Lugon-Moulin, the region's postal carrier, near the Tête de la Boffa. Your route leads you towards Emosson and its dam and offers you a magnificent panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. Your arrival at the Emosson dam allows you to finish your hike beautifully with a final ascent to reach the highest point of your hike, Six Jeur, at 2062 meters altitude, a special place because of its protected biotope "Low marsh".

Turn-by-turn directions

Start your route at Finhaut train station and first cross the village to find the start of the trail, indicated by the sign "Across Finhaut". The path leads you to the shooting range, then, after a walk through varied nature, it takes you to the Tête de la Boffa, before branching off towards Fenestral. This alpine pasture is located in a former glacial cirque on a frontal moraine, a witness to the presence of glaciers several thousand years ago. Your route continues towards Emosson and brings you to the col de la Gueulaz, which offers an unobstructed view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. Once you reach the Emosson dam, the trail continues to climb past the chapel to take you to the highest point of the trail, at Six Jeur, the final stage of your hike.

Start

Finhaut, station (1223m)

Destination

Emosson, Dam (1962m)

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Author's recommendation

In Emosson, exciting activities await you, such as the VerticAlp installations, dinosaur footprints, or a visit to the dam.

Technical information

Altitude

1964m

1224m

Ascent

+850m

Descent

-2m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the SBB train to Martigny station, where you change to board the Mont-Blanc Express. Get off at Finhaut stop, the starting point of your hike.

Approach

From the A9 motorway, take exit 22 at the Gd-St-Bernard interchange and follow the semi-motorway E27 towards Martigny-Combe. At the tunnel exit, take the first exit at the roundabout to take the Forclaz road towards Finhaut.

Parking

Parking spaces are available at Finhaut station, as well as in front of the school.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Walking sticks (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Printed version of the route (click on "print" to download)

For some walks:

  • Swimming suit

Safety information

The mountain, a space of pleasure to share and respect. The mountain offers a place to meet and share unforgettable moments, by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to practice their pastime in the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place. Assess your physical condition and abilities well. Use of different routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map. Download the complete description of the route with a large-scale map by clicking on the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked paths and observe all signs – for your safety, livestock protection, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be respectful of other users, as well as plants and animals. 

For mountain hikes:

  • Pay particular attention to protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the physical level of each participant, weather forecasts, and the season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have suitable clothing and sufficient food and water reserves. In case of uncertain weather, turn back in time.

For high-mountain hikes:

  • Inform others about your route. If possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Be aware of warning signs about constant danger in riverbeds, along watercourses below dams or reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and unexpectedly.

Rules of good conduct

Preparing your hike

Additional information

See the route on SuisseMobile:

Learn more about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Finhaut provides brochures for hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo national maps 1:25,000: 1324 Barberine

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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