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Hikes

The Vièze gorges trail

Just a stone’s throw from Monthey town centre, this theme trail leads into the heart of nature, revealing impressive views into the gorges of La Vièze from a dramatic footbridge.

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Leave the hustle and bustle of the town behind and head for the wild gorges of La Vièze. Along the river, seven information panels reveal the geological, biological and historical heritage of the area. Higher up, a 90-metre-long bridge suspended 60 metres above the river La Vièze provides a walkway to the village of Choëx, where you can admire superb views of the valley, Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

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Turn-by-turn directions

The route starts from the Vieux-Pont, an old covered wooden bridge in the heart of Monthey. The trail, signposted “Gorges de la Vièze”, runs along the river before disappearing into the gorges. At the end of the path along the river, you pass through a small and refreshing cave before climbing up to the famous footbridge leading to Choëx. The route then passes through the forest and joins a tarmac road for a gentle stroll through the village. To finish off, it’s a downhill hike to Monthey along quiet lanes.

Start: Monthey (423 m)
Destination: Monthey (423 m)

Author's recommendation

Enjoy a picnic at the entrance to the gorges or on one of the picnic benches in the forest just after the footbridge.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    656 m 423 m

  • Ascent

    311 m

  • Descent

    311 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 1 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 3 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Flora and fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Healthy climate
  • Circular route
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take a regional train to Monthey station, then a bus to the stop “Monthey, Au-delà du Pont”.

Approach

A9 motorway, exit 18 (St-Triphon); then follow directions for the centre of Monthey.

Parking

You can park in the car park of the Philippe-Potier football stadium or at the town hall (Hôtel de Ville).

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.

Additional information

Further information:

Literature

The tourist office in Monthey provides you with hiking brochures of the region.

Maps

SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 1304 Val d’Illiez