Hikes
Sentier du Balcon du Mont-Blanc
Finhaut
9/17°
Learn more about the Finhaut-Emosson region thanks to the explanatory boards along the route this hike follows which also offers an incredible view of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
8.41 kmDuration
3:10 hDescription
This educational trail takes you from Finhaut to Six Jeur, above Emosson, and offers an introduction to the local fauna and flora, as well as a number of geological features such as the Fenestral glacial cirque. You’ll cross a diverse natural environment including swampy areas, meadows, mountain pastures, glacial moraine and rocky outcrops, with the added surprise of foot and handprints engraved near the Tête de la Boffa in 1927 by Louis Lugon-Moulin, the region's postman. The route continues towards Emosson and the eponymous dam with a breathtaking panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. The end point at Emosson Dam is a stunningly beautiful finale with a final ascent to the highest point on the hike, Six Jeur, at 2062 m above sea level and a special place due to its protected "Bas-marais" biotope.
Turn-by-turn directions
Start your journey at Finhaut train station, crossing the village to find the start of the trail, which is indicated by a sign saying "À travers Finhaut". The path goes to the shooting range, then, after a walk through varied natural landscapes, leads to the Tête de la Boffa, before branching off towards Fenestral. This mountain pasture is located in an ancient glacial cirque on a frontal moraine, testimony to the presence of glaciers thousands of years ago. The route continues towards Emosson and leads to the Gueulaz pass, which offers a clear view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. Once you reach Emosson Dam, the trail continues upwards on the final stage of your hike past the chapel to the highest point of the trail at Six Jeur.
Start
Finhaut, train station (1223m)
Destination
Emosson, dam (1962m)
Author's recommendation
Exciting activities await you at Emosson, including the VerticAlp installations, dinosaur tracks and a visit to the dam.
Technical information
Altitude
1964m
1224m
Ascent
+850m
Descent
-115m
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
Take the CFF train to Martigny station, and change here to board the Mont-Blanc Express. Exit at the Finhaut stop, which is the starting point of your hike.
Approach
From the A9 freeway, take exit 22 at the Gd-St-Bernard interchange and follow the E27 motorway towards Martigny-Combe. At the tunnel exit, take the first exit at the roundabout to the route de la Forclaz towards Finhaut.
Parking
Parking is available at Finhaut train station, as well as in front of the school.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion