Cycling routes

Col du Lein (Saxon) – Legendary Mountain Passes

Saxon

This route takes you from Saxon up to 1,686 metres in altitude; a remarkable but little-known climb of 14 kilometres.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

13.82 km

Duration

2:00 h

Description

Leaving Saxon in the heart of the Rhône Valley, the first switchbacks of the route wind through meadows and orchards where apples and apricots grow. These first few kilometres follow the Torrent des Croix and cross the hamlets of Sapinhaut and l'Arbarey. You will pass through mountain pastures as you tackle the route's countless hairpin bends. Little by little, the view over central Valais below opens up into a panorama stretching from Martigny to Sion. As you approach the summit of the pass, the Pierre Avoi mountain, which dominates the climb, becomes increasingly massive and impressive. The last few hundred metres on compact gravel lead through to the forests of Val de Bagnes. The end of the climb reserves one final surprise: a short stretch of unpaved road that adds an extra dose of charm to this unmissable route!

Turn-by-turn directions

The suggested starting point is at the church in Saxon village centre, where you’ll find an information post. Four Valais cycle signs guide you through the climb and offer information on your progress as you pass through the hamlets of Sapinhaut and l’Arbarey. The final 700 metres are unpaved but nonetheless suitable for road cycling.

Start

Saxon (488m)

Destination

Col du Lein (1684m)

Author's recommendation

From the summit of the Col du Lein, you can head back down to Martigny via the panoramic road that connects the Col du Lein, the Col du Tronc and the Col des Planches and ends with a sweeping descent into town.

Technical information

Altitude

1686m

489m

Ascent

+1197m

Descent

-1m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regional trains to Saxon on the Simplon Railway.

Approach

From Lausanne/Martigny: From the A9 motorway, take exit 23 to Saxon and follow the Route du Léman to the village of Saxon.

From Sion/Brig: From the A9 motorway, take exit 24 to Riddes and follow the cantonal road to the village of Saxon.

Parking

Parking available in the village of Saxon. Follow parking directions in Saxon.

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Additional information

More information :

Literature

The tourist office in Martigny has brochures and information material about road cycling in the region.

Brochures: Road Cycling Map

Maps

SwissTopo Maps: 1305 Dent de Morcles / 1325 Sembrancher

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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