Cycling routes

Valais Cycling Tour: Champéry - Le Bouveret (stage 9)

Le Bouveret

Champéry

From the base of the Dents du Midi to the shores of Lake Geneva, on this ninth stage you will discover the Vallée d’Illiez on its left side as you descend into the Rhone Valley. You reach Lake Geneva along the Stockalper canal on the banks of the Rhone River.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

57.01 km

Duration

4:00 h

Description

From Champery, you scale the Col de Champoussin (1,588m), all the while enjoying the view of the imposing Dent du Midi range. Soon after there is another 6km climb towards the high plateau at the Pas de Morgins. Finally, you descend back into the Rhone Valley where you follow the banks of the Rhone to Lake Geneva.

Turn-by-turn directions

To leave Champéry, you tackle the discrete Col de Champoussin (1,588m) via a place called Sur Cou. As you climb higher and higher, you find yourself face to face with the imposing Dents-du-Midi mountain chain. There will be a 1-kilometre section of good-quality gravel road to add a bit of fun to your journey. A photo stop is a must before crossing the pass onto the small road towards Délifrête that will bring you down into the village of Val d’Illiez. You then pick up the main road for a few kilometres before you take a left for a 6km climb to the Morgins plateau. While descending the road to the Pas de Morgins, you whisk passed the town of Troistorrents before diving into the town of Monthey. The big climbs are all behind you now. Take the time to frolic in the Rhone plain along the Stockalper Canal on the banks of the Rhone River.

Start

Champéry, Rte de la Fin 15 (1033m)

Destination

Le Bouveret, Rte du Lac (374m)

Author's recommendation

Make a small detour into the village of Troistorrents to enjoy a pastry at the Boulangerie / tea-room de la Poste. If you are riding this stage on a Wednesday morning, be sure to stop by the market on the central square at Monthey.

Technical information

Altitude

1587m

374m

Ascent

+1126m

Descent

-1782m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

AOMC train or bus from Monthey. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Approach

Exit Autoroute A9 at Bex (exit 19) from Sion or St.Triphon (exit 18) from Lausanne. Follow signs to Porte de Soleil / Champéry.

Parking

This tour is one stage of the Valais Cycling tour where the finish is not at the same place as the starting point. Therefore, we recommend arriving by public transport. Otherwise there are parkings at the AOMC train station or at the cable car, follow the local park routeing to access them.

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:

Maps

Swiss Activity Map: National map with SwitzerlandMobility routes to scale 1:275'000

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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