Hikes

Plateau of Vérossaz

Das Dorf St-Maurice

St-Maurice

2/8°

Closed

Hike along the majestic cliff above Saint-Maurice and discover cultural sites and historic fortresses on the way.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

9.02 km

Duration

3:00 h
Das Dorf St-Maurice
Das Dorf Vérossaz mit dem «Zahn» des Berggipfels Valerette im Hintergrund
Blick vom Hochplateau Vérossaz auf die Ebene

Description

The picturesque path starts from Saint-Maurice following the cliff and then leads up to a plateau, where you are offered a breathtaking view of the Rhone Valley. From there, the route goes through the forest to the northern edge of the town. On the final stretch, you will encounter many surprises, such as the Fairy Grotto with an impressive waterfall and an underground lake. Through a door inside this grotto, you can access one of the town’s three underground artillery fortresses. A little further along the hiking trail is the castle of Saint-Maurice, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, which today houses a museum and exhibitions on graphic art. The last highlight of the hike is the abbey of Saint-Maurice, founded over 1500 years ago, with its precious treasure.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the Saint-Maurice tourist office, head towards the train station, where you walk along the tracks and then take the underpass. The path continues to the Les Cases neighborhood. Behind the Casabaud restaurant, take the path that leads up to the village of Vérossaz. You cross the village towards La Doey, then Daviaz. Afterwards, you return to the edge of the cliff and enjoy a view of Lake Geneva and the Rhone Valley before starting the descent along the cliff towards Saint-Maurice. On the way back, you can cool off while visiting the Fairy Grotto, the historic fortresses, and the castle before reaching the road back to Saint-Maurice. On this last stretch, you can admire the Dufour Tower and, thanks to the information panels, familiarize yourself with the history of the Saint-Maurice blockhouse. You can end the walk with a visit to the abbey or return to the tourist office via the Grand-Rue pedestrian zone.

Start

St-Maurice (418m)

Destination

St-Maurice (418m)

Download GPX
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Author's recommendation

Follow the circular route in the suggested direction to quench your thirst at the Fairy Grotto restaurant and find some refreshment in the grotto and fortresses.

Technical information

Altitude

877m

413m

Ascent

+465m

Descent

-466m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take the Simplon line to the Saint-Maurice train station. The tourist office is a 2-minute walk from the station.

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 20 (St-Maurice), then follow signs towards the town of St-Maurice.

Parking

Long-term parking next to the motorway, at the roundabout on Avenue des Terreaux towards Lavey-Village.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Head covering
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. Assess your abilities and fitness well. Use of the various routes is always at your own responsibility.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete trail description with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through them.
  • Be considerate to other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays can be very strong at high altitude, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. If the weather is unstable, better turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid hiking alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signals indicating dangers at riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

Further information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in St-Maurice provides you with hiking brochures of the region

Maps

Swisstopo maps 1:25,000: 1304 Val d’Illiez

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

Other itineraries

7.29 km 2:15 h Intermediate
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Cliff route of St-Maurice

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Blick zum Gipfel «L'Aiguille» vom Plateau de Vérossaz
The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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