Cycling routes

Val d’Illiez - Scenic & side valleys

Monthey

12/23°

On a magnificent alpine pass route, you leave the Rhone valley behind and take the left bank of the Val d'Illiez as far as Troistorrents. Then, the climb heads in the direction of the villages of Val d'Illiez and Champéry.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

15.6 km

Duration

1:50 h

Description

The Val d'Illiez is a charming valley at the foot of the majestic Dents du Midi and Dents Blanches mountain ranges. Setting off from the town of Monthey on a route full of switchbacks, you join the cantonal road to Val d'Illiez, the first stage of which takes you past the village of Troistorrents. The church in the village has a beautiful bell whose sound can be heard far away in the surrounding mountains. The hairpin climb passes through the villages of Val d'Illiez and Champéry, following a route above the winding river Vièze down below. Throughout the ascent, the imposing silhouette of the Dents du Midi is a constant companion. Don’t forget to take the time to admire it and draw energy from it!

Turn-by-turn directions

Setting off from Monthey town centre, a route full of switchbacks will take you to the cantonal road to Val d'Illiez, the first stage of which takes you past the village of Troistorrents. The municipality of Troistorrents is home to a number of high-profile sportsmen and women, most notably skiers. It also permitted local cycling champion Steve Morabito to build up his confidence and stamina on the region’s routes. You then pass through Val d'Illiez, a village whose thermal springs could prove soothing and beneficial after a strenuous bike ride. Val d'Illiez has adopted the Dents du Midi mountain range as its symbol, and you can admire the summits during the climb. The mountains have names that speak volumes about their majesty: Cathédrale, Forteresse, Eperon, Dent Jaune, Doigts de Salanfe...

Start

Monthey (425m)

Destination

Champéry (1033m)

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Author's recommendation

A stop at the baker’s in Troistorrents to stock up on energy is an absolute must. It is located on the main square of the village, behind the church

Technical information

Altitude

1047m

426m

Ascent

+660m

Descent

-60m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

To reach Monthey, take the regional trains running on the Simplon line between Brig and St-Gingolph.

Approach

Exit A9 motorway at Bex (exit 19) and follow signs to Monthey centre ville. Coming from Lausanne, take the exit 18 (St-Triphon) and don't continue through the tunnel to Collombey Valley but take the road direction to Monthey centre-ville.