Hiking Tour Val d'Hérens - 3rd step

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Stage description:

The third stage of the Tour du Val d’Hérens, which comprises five stages, offers a complete contrast to the previous two. Gone are the high altitudes; now it’s time for gentler slopes and charming historic villages.

This section begins at its highest point: Arolla, a village whose name derives from the Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), the tree most commonly found in the forests at the bottom of the valley. The Swiss stone pine accompanies the hiker throughout the first part of the trail, which runs alongside the Val d’Arolla.

The second part of the hike is devoted to visiting the villages that form the cultural heart of the Val d’Hérens. From Les Haudères, the trail leaves the river and climbs up to La Forclaz and La Sage – two hamlets perched on sunny slopes, a few hundred metres above the valley floor.

With their old houses and wooden barns, these villages, surrounded by flower-filled meadows, have retained their authentic charm. At the market in summer, it is not uncommon to come across traders, craftsmen and farmers dressed in traditional local costume.

Highlights: Descent through the Val d’Arolla – an idyllic high-altitude valley A succession of historic villages, beautifully preserved and full of old-world charm Fascinating geology, with a local museum, app, online guide and themed trails.

Accommodation on arrival:

Budget:

Clos Lombard Country Cottage in Evolène

You’ll love this farmhouse guesthouse, formerly known as La Péniche holiday camp. This recently renovated cottage is situated next to the farm where, from November to mid-June, you can spend time with the beautiful Hérens cattle belonging to Catherine and Marius, the owners.

The gîte offers a night’s stay in a shared dormitory equipped with a kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Book directly with the owners:

Catherine and Marius Pannatier

+41 79 564 12 67

mcpannatier@netplus.ch

www.giteruralevolene.ch

Standard:

Hôtel Veisivi** in Les Haudères

Hôtel Veisivi is delighted to welcome you to a peaceful, village-style setting typical of the Central Valais. It is easily accessible by road, post bus or car, just 25 minutes from the N9 motorway, exit Sion-Est Val d’Hérens.

In a family-friendly atmosphere, a range of leisure activities are available: bar, terrace, restaurant serving Valais specialities cooked over a wood fire, and pétanque. Private park for hotel and restaurant guests.

Book directly with the owners:

Danièla and Eddy Maître

Tel: +41 (0)27 283 11 01

veisivi@bluewin.ch

www.veisivi.ch

or

Hôtel Hermitage** - Evolène

A hotel with a historic setting and a family atmosphere, in Evolène (1,371 m)

Book directly with the owners:

The Gaspoz family

+41 27 283 12 32

hotel.hermitage@bluewin.ch

www.hermitage-evolene.ch

or

Hôtel de la Sage**

This charming boutique hotel, beautifully decorated, invites you to enjoy its bright dining room, its spacious library lounge with mountain views, its wellness area with hammam, and its sunny terrace.

Book directly with the hotel:

hoteldelasage@bluewin.ch

+41 27 283 24 20

www.lasage-boutiquehotel.com

Comfort: 

Hôtel Les Mélèzes in Les Haudères

Built in 1965 by Henri Anzévui and Cathy Gaspoz, the hotel is now run by their daughter Claudia and her husband Michel, who have put all their passion into taking over and renovating the family business. The Anzévui Métrailler family welcomes you to a homely atmosphere in Les Haudères. Friendliness and service are our watchwords! We guarantee comfort and a warm welcome during your stay in the mountains.

Hôtel Les Mélèzes is situated at the entrance to the village of Les Haudères, at an altitude of 1,450 metres, at the foot of the Dents de Veisivi. Situated in the heart of the commune of Evolène, 25 km from Sion, the capital of Valais with its picturesque old town, 15 km from the Euseigne Pyramids and the Grande Dixence Dam, and 3 km from the village of Evolène, voted the most beautiful village in French-speaking Switzerland.

Built in the local architectural style, the wood panelling, stonework and cosy décor give the house its charm. In the warmer months, you can admire the flower-bedecked façades and enjoy the sunny terraces.

Book directly with the owners:

The Anzévui-Métrailler family

info@hotelmelezes.ch

Telephone +41 27 283 11 55

www.hotelmelezes.ch