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Tour of the Val d'Anniviers: Vallon de Réchy - Louché mountain lake (stage 5)

Varied hike starting with a scenic gondola ride to Crêt du Midi. Trail leads into the magnificent Vallon de Réchy and loops up to "Le Louché" lake. 

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Located between the Val d'Hérens and the Val d'Anniviers, the Réchy valley is a veritable gem of which the upper part is completely free of roads and buildings. The starting point of the trail is at Crêt-du-Midi. Enjoy the panorama of the Rhone Valley from the cable car that connects Vercorin. From here, the path follows the eastern side of the valley, offering a magnificent view of its forests, meadows and clearings. This level ends on a rock barrier that La Rèche crosses in the tumult of a magnificent waterfall. The next level, the middle valley, is dominated by the Ar du Tsan, a large marshy basin where the river meanders. Continue up the valley to the upper valley and the mountain lake of Louché, a site of absolute tranquillity and a good chance of wildlife sightings. On the way down, the route passes through the eastern side of the valley and finally reaches the Crêt-du-Midi by the same route.

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Turn-by-turn directions

From the top of the cable car at Crêt-du-Midi, the path climbs slightly up the eastern side of the valley. It skirts the marshes of the Ar du Tsan from the west and passes near a waterfall.

The ascent continues along a picturesque pond, the Gouille de Potoc, before reaching the banks of the Lac du Louché, the highest point of the hike.

On the way down, the path takes another route along the eastern side of the valley to reach Ar du Tsan. From here, take the same road that leads to the Crêt-du-Midi.

Start: Crêt du Midi (gondola summit) (2321 m)
Destination: Crêt du Midi (gondola summit) (2321 m)

Author's recommendation

The Anniviers Liberté pass offers a 50% discount on the funicular and free travel on the PostBus as well as certain activities.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2577 m 2176 m

  • Ascent

    710 m

  • Descent

    710 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Out and back
  • Circular route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent

Public transport

Take the train to Sierre, then the bus to Vercorin, or the bus from Sierre to Chalais then the cable car from Chalais to Vercorin. Take the cable car from Vercorin to Crêt-du-Midi. All information about the timetable is available on www.cff.ch.

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 28 (Sierre-ouest) Follow the signs to "Vercorin".

Parking

Parking at the Vercorin cable car. Follow the signs for parking in Vercorin.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Literature

Leaflet on the valley at local tourist offices

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1307 Vissoie / 1287 Sierre