Val d'Hérens - Scenic & side valleys

The ascent towards Val d’Hérens is a must when visiting Valais. It not only lets you discover a wild valley – famous for its breed of cattle – but also takes you through a number of typical villages where the rich local dialect is spoken. Starting from Bramois and passing through the village of St-Martin, this climb through the valley lets you appreciate the beauty of the varied landscapes changing with every passing kilometre. After the climb, a steeper road takes you down to Evolène, through which the famous Grand Raid mountain bike race passes. In the heart of Val d’Hérens, the last part of the route takes you to Les Haudères, a picturesque village dominated by Arolla and the Ferpècle Dam.

The first 11 kilometres between Bramois and St-Martin are covered on a relatively steep, wide road. You’ll get the chance to catch your breath over a 4-kilometre, level section as you enjoy a view of the famous Euseigne pyramids rising up on the other side of the valley. After a steep downhill section through the fields, you’ll rejoin the road towards Evolène. The landscape opens out again into a wider valley and the gradient becomes much less challenging. You are in the very heart of Val d’Hérens, one of the most beautiful valleys in the region! On arrival in Les Haudères, more adventurous cyclists can continue in the direction of Arolla to the right or Ferpècle to the left.

From the A9 motorway, take exit 27 (Sion-Est) and follow the signs to Bramois.