The Vineyard Route follows a panoramic trail through sunny south-facing vineyards and charming villages. There are also routes for cyclists and drivers, but it’s the 66 km hiking trail with its 4 stages that best allow you to enjoy the itinerary. During this third stage, which connects the hills north of Sion and the vineyards overlooking Sierre, the Rhône valley becomes noticeably narrower. From the start, water plays a central role in this environment. The route follows a bisse, a historic irrigation channel designed to bring precious glacier water to the sunny vineyards, orchards, and fields of Valais. Built in the mid-15th century, the Clavau bisse crosses some of the steepest terraced vineyards in the world, offering superb views of old town Sion. This first section features many small huts converted into outdoor restaurants. In the shade of the vines, they provide an ideal setting to discover the region’s wines. When it reaches the Lienne gorges, the trail leaves the bisse to descend to Saint-Léonard where it crosses the river. Climbing the vineyards on the other side, it reaches Europe’s largest navigable underground lake, one of Valais’s most unusual attractions accessible from the village below. The 30-minute guided boat tours on the crystal-clear waters are simply magical. The route continues through a series of picturesque wine villages and ends in Venthône, a charming hamlet with a set of medieval buildings including a 12th-century fortified tower housing a restaurant and exhibition space. Highlights include the Clavau bisse with its breathtaking views of Sion, hut-restaurants among the vineyards along the way, Europe’s largest navigable underground lake at Saint-Léonard, and a series of picturesque wine villages with tasting opportunities along the route.
OUR ADVICE
Time your route to coincide with the grape harvest in autumn, when the vineyards are full of life. The start of the harvest depends on various factors; check with local tourist offices for details.
| Turn-by-turn directions |
This section of the route starts north of Sion at the “Brasserie” bus stop. It is also possible to walk to the start from the station by passing through the old town, at the foot of the Valère and Tourbillon fortresses. A route beginning with a magical atmosphere. |
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