Cycling routes

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Cycling routes

Val Ferret – Scenic & side valleys

Head off to discover the Val Ferret from Orsières, a gentle climb that is well worth discovering for the beauty of its landscape and the richness of its alpine flora.

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The route starts at the Orsières railway station and heads towards Somlaproz on the Route de Ferret, which you follow throughout the Val Ferret. The climb is not very steep and allows you to pedal at a good pace through the meadows, admiring the many peaks that enclose the valley linking Switzerland and Italy. The Mont Dolent and the Aiguille d'Argentière are among the most remarkable in the area. On the way up to the hamlet of Ferret, you’ll also pass through typical villages such as Praz-de-Fort and La Fouly. This unspoilt and relatively unknown valley is well worth exploring by bike, as it offers a reasonable climb in terms of difficulty and safe roads with little traffic.

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Turn-by-turn directions

From Orsières station, turn left onto the Route de Ferret to reach the hamlet of Somlaproz. Continue on this road for about 15 kilometres, passing through the hamlets of Praz-de-Fort and Branche-d'en-Haut before reaching the village of La Fouly. In the immediate vicinity of the tourist office, keep to the left and follow the road for two kilometres to the hamlet of Ferret.

Start: Orsières, train station (887 m) (901 m)
Destination: Ferret (1710 m) (1711 m)

Author's recommendation

Once in Ferret, head for the Ars mountain pasture to enjoy a risotto served in a cheese “wheel” or “Crozets au gratin”!

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1711 m 887 m

  • Ascent

    810 m

  • Descent

    0 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 6 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
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora

Public transport

Travel to Martigny and then to Orsières on the St-Bernard Express line (change train in Sembrancher).

Approach

Take the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, then take the Martigny-Grand St. Bernard exit towards Sembrancher and then Orsières onto the Grand St-Bernard Route (Route 21).

Parking

Parking at the central square in Orsières.

Equipment

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

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear a helmet every time you ride a bike.

Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1345 Orsières / 1365 Gd St-Bernard