Cycling routes
Les Giettes – Valais Cycling Tour
Monthey
-2/4°
With its views over the impressive Dents du Midi massif, this little-known climb up to the village of Les Giettes is definitely worth tackling. The slope is steep at times, but the panoramic views mean you’ll hardly notice the effort!
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
9.76 kmDuration
1:00 hDescription
As you leave the banks of the Rhône in Massongex, the route heads towards the Dent de Valerette, then follows the edge of the forest on a level section for several kilometres before reaching the hamlet of Fontany. From there, the road winds through a series of hairpin bends and climbs sharply to quickly pick up altitude again. After passing below the village of Daviaz, the route follows a straighter course alongside meadows, then continues through Vérossaz via two broad turns. The final part of the climb takes place in the shade of the forest, with the gradient remaining tough the bulk of the time. Remember to take an occasional glimpse through the trees at the Chablais valley below. At just over 1,100 metres in altitude, you’ll reach the finishing point of the route in the village of Les Giettes. When you arrive at the fork in the road, you can choose to head back down towards Choëx or turn right to continue climbing for a few more kilometres.
Turn-by-turn directions
If you’re arriving from the banks of the Rhône, head to the information signpost on the Valais side of the bridge across the river. Continue across the cantonal road and through the village of Massongex towards the station, where the starting post marks out the beginning of the climb towards Daviaz, Vérossaz and finally the village of Les Giettes some 10.4 kilometres away. There are Valais cycle signs throughout the climb.
Start
Massongex, bridge over the Rhône (399m)
Destination
Les Giettes, municipality of Monthey (1138m)
Author's recommendation
Feel like climbing even higher? The Chalet des Cerniers and the Buvette de Chindonne, two and six kilometres into the route respectively, both offer picturesque terraces and a menu that will have your taste buds tingling.
Technical information
Altitude
1139m
398m
Ascent
+741m
Descent
-2m
Technique
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
SBB train station in Massongex, Tonkin line
Approach
Motorway exit 19 to Bex, then head towards Massongex
Parking
Massongex football pitch
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion