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Mountain bike tours

Tour du Mont-Blanc Bike: Vallorcine - Champex-Lac

This scenic itinerary from Vallorcine to Champex-Lac explores the dramatic Mont-Blanc region straddling the French-Swiss border.

  • Difficulty

    medium, S0

    Difficulty : medium
    S0 Even forest or meadow paths, on a natural surface with good grip or on compact gravel. No steps, rocks or passages with many roots. Gentle gradients, wide curves. No special technique required

  • Length

    38.3 km

  • Duration

    5:29 h

  • Show on map
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Discover a mountain biking region of unique charm. Located at the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc, the Trient valley links the Rhône valley and Chamonix valley, and promises a magical adventure. You’ll enjoy superb views of Mont Blanc, as well as a chance to visit fascinating attractions along the way – from natural gorges and the Trient glaciers to Emosson, with its dams, geological site and fossilised dinosaur footprints. The magnificent route beginning in Vallorcine (France) and ending in Champex-Lac (Switzerland) offers pure biking pleasure.

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Turn-by-turn directions

You can reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine by train, on the Mont-Blanc Express from Martigny (or from Chamonix). The route initially climbs to the base station of the Tête de Balme chairlift before crossing the border into Switzerland and then descending to the pretty hamlet of Les Jeurs. Continue to the village of Trient, where you can visit the famous pink church. Then take the old La Forclaz road up to the Col de la Forclaz and begin the long descent to Martigny-Croix. This is where the ascent to Champex-Lac begins. Climb as far as Les Valettes. From here, take the road to the right that leads to the Durnand gorges, which you can visit along the way. Then continue the climb as far as Champex-Lac.

Start: Vallorcine (1262 m)
Destination: Champex-Lac (1467 m)

Author's recommendation

Visit the pink church of Trient, take a break at the sunny summit of the Col de la Forclaz and explore the Durnand gorges.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1656 m 553 m

  • Ascent

    1667 m

  • Descent

    1462 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Singletrail/Free ride
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Accessibility
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent

Public transport

Take the SBB train to Martigny. Then take the Mont-Blanc Express in Martigny (or Chamonix). 

Approach

A9 motorway to Martigny (exit 21). Park in Martigny. 

Parking

As this route has different starting and finishing points, make use of public transport to reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine. Take the Mont-Blanc Express train from Martigny.

Equipment

We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Use marked bike trails and routes only, making sure you observe all signposting. Kindly close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers, as well as to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Literature

The tourist office in Trient has a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1324 Barberine, 1325 Sembrancher et 1345 Orsières