After leaving the center of Sierre passing the natural site of Géronde, you reach Chippis for a short climb up to the Bisse de Ricard. Contrary to what its name may suggest, only pure water from the Navisence used to flow there to irrigate the meadows and vineyards of Tsararogne, Chalais and Réchy. Along the 2 km of this artificial watercourse, you enjoy a magnificent view of the Rhône plain. Shortly before the end of the bisse, you find below the Arche des Crétillons, an educational farm, a local refreshment stand and a true paradise for children.
At the end of the bisse, it’s time to climb: you join the Dérupé path, which starts from Chalais and climbs up to Vercorin. After leaving the vineyard, the climb becomes steep up to Briey, then continues more evenly through the Bouillet forest. You pass under the cliffs and twice under the cable car before arriving at Vercorin after nearly 665 m of elevation gain.
OUR ADVICE
Why not descend to the plain by paragliding? Vercorin is a very well known place for free flight.
| Turn-by-turn directions | From the Tourist Office, pass under the railway tracks then follow the Bellevue Plain up to the Pins roundabout. From there, climb the Planzette hill and enjoy for a few moments the magical view of the Géronde site. Then descend towards Chippis, passing the Technopôle and crossing the Rhône Bridge. Go to the old village then turn right towards Briey / Bisse de Ricard. Then, cross the forest and follow the vineyard before joining the bisse, which you will take westward. From there, follow the bisse for about 2 km before turning left towards Vercorin, on the Dérupé path. The first climb up to Briey is quite challenging, then you cross the road before continuing the climb through the forest. After a few switchbacks and passages under the cable car and cliffs, you gently arrive at the Vercorin resort, the final point of this hike. |
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