Hikes

Vérossaz plateau

St-Maurice

5/13°

Explore the majestic rock face that overlooks Saint-Maurice, following a path that runs along the rocks and passes through cultural sites and historical fortifications.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

9.02 km

Duration

3:00 h

Das Dorf Vérossaz mit dem «Zahn» des Berggipfels Valerette im Hintergrund

Blick vom Hochplateau Vérossaz auf die Ebene

Description

The picturesque path departing from Saint-Maurice first runs along the rock before leading to a plateau that offers impressive views of the Rhône Valley. From here, the path crosses through the forest to the north of the town, with the final section of the route offering up a number of surprises. You will pass through the Fairy’s Cave (Grotte aux Fées), which leads to a magnificent waterfall and underground lake. Inside the cave, there is a door leading to one of the town’s three underground artillery fortresses. A little further, Saint-Maurice castle, constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, is now home to a museum and exhibitions dedicated to graphic art. The last highlight of this walk is the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, founded more than 1,500 years ago and home to priceless treasures.

Turn-by-turn directions

Starting from the tourism office in Saint-Maurice, head towards the train station and walk along the railway tracks before taking the underpass. Continue along this path until you reach the hamlet of Les Cases. Behind the Casabaud restaurant, take the path leading up to the village of Vérossaz. Cross through the village and head towards La Doey, and then onwards to Daviaz. Make your way to the edge of the cliff again and admire the views of Lake Geneva and the Rhône Valley before starting your descent of the cliff towards Saint-Maurice. On your way back, don’t miss a chance to cool down at the Fairy’s Cave, as well as visiting the historical fortresses and the castle before continuing your route to Saint-Maurice. On this final descent, admire Dufour tower and read the information panels on the history of the Saint-Maurice glacial rock bar. End your walk with a visit to the abbey or cross the pedestrianised Grand-Rue back to the tourism office.

Start

St-Maurice (418m)

Destination

St-Maurice (418m)

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Author's recommendation

Follow the recommended route direction and quench your thirst in the Fairy’s Cave restaurant, using the cave and fortresses as a chance to cool down.

Technical information

Altitude

877m

413m

Ascent

+465m

Descent

-466m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take the Simplon line to Saint-Maurice station. The Tourist Office is 2 minutes walk from the train station

Approach

Highway A9 exit 20 (St-Maurice), then follow the direction of the city of St-Maurice.

Parking

Long-term parking area next to the highway at the Avenue des Terreaux, at the roundabout towards Lavey-Village.

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

More information about the destination:

St-Maurice

Literature

The tourist office in St-Maurice provides you with hiking brochures of the region.

Maps

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

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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