The ideal trip for road bike enthusiasts
Enjoy a cycling holiday and discover the legendary mountain passes of Valais
With over 2,000 kilometres of marked cycle paths, Valais is a must-visit destination for road cyclists. Revel in the many routes that wind through beautiful, varied landscapes from vineyards and valleys to gorges and Alpine passes. Set off on an exceptional adventure on the most stunning roads in Valais and conquer its legendary mountain passes with our programme specially designed for cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Martigny every day, this star-shaped circuit leads from the vineyards of the Rhône Valley to its legendary peaks.
Day 1
Discovering Champex-Lac
Your adventure begins in Martigny in the Rhône valley, where you’ll drop off your luggage for three nights in a comfortable local hotel before hopping on your bike for a warm-up ride to Champex-Lac. You can either get to this destination by train using the ‘Les Valettes’ stop or use your calf muscles if you feel up to it. Once there, be sure to take a tour of the lake or visit the botanical gardens. Back in Martigny, explore the region's many historical sites, such as the Roman amphitheatre and the Château de la Bâtiaz.
Ascent of the Col de la Croix de Cœur
If you prefer a longer ride, warm up on a flat section to Riddes before climbing up to the Col de la Croix de Cœur at an altitude of 2,174 metres. Once there, stop for refreshments or a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top of the pass. After your trip to the heights, take some time to visit the town of Martigny and soak up its friendly atmosphere.
Day 2
From Martigny to La Forclaz
Start this elevation-rich new day with the Petite Forclaz ascent, which winds its way through the vineyards. Warm up your calves on a moderate 11% gradient that will quickly take you up to higher ground. A little further up, on the Forclaz road, take in the view of the Rhône Valley and the peaks of the Val de Bagnes. Don't forget to activate the Strava app to see your time and compare yourself with other athletes in the Valais-Wallis community on this section.
Ascent to Emosson dam
Continue your journey through fragrant larch forests before reaching the wall of the Emosson dam, which hosted the Tour de France caravan in 2016. Take the opportunity to visit the dam or discover the spectacular VerticAlp facilities. If you’ve worked up a thirst during the day, sample the refreshing local beers in the beer garden at the WhiteFrontier brewery in Martigny, where you can relax and unwind.
Day 3
From vineyard to glacier
This 127-kilometre circular route is the highlight of your stay. It leads from the Rhône valley to one of the Alps’ great giants, the Sanetsch Pass, located at an altitude of 2,242 metres at the foot of the Tsanfleuron glacier. After this intense climb, stop to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and take a few steps into the region to observe the rock formations surrounding the glacier.
Between heritage and gastronomy
A cable car will then take you to the Bernese side, where you’ll continue your journey by climbing the Col du Pillon to reach the canton of Vaud, returning to Martigny via the Rhône Valley. Once back at your starting point, quench your thirst with a selection of local wines or sample the culinary specialities of restaurants awarded the Saveurs du Valais label.
Day 4
From the Col des Planches to the Col du Lein
End your trip on a high note by adding a climb and two passes to your list of achievements. This final route takes you up to the Col des Planches, then on to the Col du Lein. Freshen up at one of the seasonal refreshment stands before returning to the Rhône valley via Saxon, where apricots are in season during the summer.
Round off your stay in Valais
Want to keep exploring? Take a look at our selection of marked trails and treat yourself to some extra loops in the canton's side valleys. And if you don't want to leave empty-handed, there are lots of shops selling delicious local products such as wine, cheese, dried meat, honey, sun-ripened fruit and craft beers. As for booking your accommodation, choosing your transport and finding inspiration for activities in the area, you'll find all this (and more) in our eShop. Have a wonderful two-wheeler holiday in Valais!
