Cycling routes

Valais Cycling Tour: Le Bouveret - Sion (stage 10)

Radprofi Steve Morabito mit Freunden unterwegs im Rhonetal kurz vor Sion.

Le Bouveret

From the lakeside town of Le Bouveret to the capital of Valais, this stage runs along the banks of the Rhône River and through vineyards before climbing towards the spa resort of Ovronnaz.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

85.79 km

Duration

6:35 h

Description

Valais is more than just a mountainous region, as the canton extends all the way to the shores of Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe. The start of the route takes you along the Rhône, the iconic river that runs through the entire canton. This stage allows you to discover the beautiful vineyards of Valais, which are known for being the most extensive in Switzerland. The ascent to Ovronnaz resort is the highlight of the route and is marked out using Valais cycle signs. You can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view as you make your way downhill to the winemaking municipality of Chamoson. The final section of the route continues towards Ardon and Conthey before finally reaching Sion. Enjoy the charming terraces in the city centre while you're there!

Turn-by-turn directions

The beginning of the route is flat and rises slowly along the shady banks of the Rhône River. After passing close to St-Maurice and its ancient abbey, the route changes direction near Martigny and the elbow of the Rhône. You then enter the heart of Valais as you ride through Fully and its orchards. The stage continues through the vineyards before climbing towards Ovronnaz resort. A magnificent panoramic view awaits you during your descent into the winemaking village of Chamoson. The route continues in the direction of Ardon and then Conthey before reaching the city of Sion. Enjoy the charming terraces in the city centre while you're there! 

Start

Le Bouveret, Rte du Lac (374m)

Destination

Sion, Rue de l'Industrie, 1950 Sion (487m)

Author's recommendation

Once you're at Illarsaz, cross the bridge over the Rhône to reach the velodrome at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle. Take a refreshing break at the centre's café-restaurant!

Technical information

Altitude

1371m

374m

Ascent

+1179m

Descent

-1065m

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
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

SBB train from St-Maurice/Monthey. Bus services also available.

Approach

From the A9 motorway, take the Villeneuve exit and follow the H144 road. After crossing the Rhône, take a right on road number 21 towards France until Le Bouveret.

Parking

This tour takes place over several stages and the starting and finishing points are at different locations. Therefore, we advise that you travel to the starting point by public transport. To do so, we recommend you use the car park at Aquaparc or the Swiss Vapeur Parc. Please follow the parking instructions.

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

SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000

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.

Your accommodation in Valais