Route des Diligences

The Vallée du Trient was one of the first regions in the Swiss Alps to attract foreign tourists – thanks to the Route des Diligences («Stagecoach Road»), built between 1855 and 1861. The valley soon became internationally famous because of its scenic beauty and elegant resorts such as Finhaut, which has retained its magnificent Belle Epoque hotels.

The track, with its 51 hairpin turns, now offers a delightful family walk. The trail roughly follows the route of the narrow-gauge Mont-Blanc Express, built from 1902 to 1906 – so tailoring the perfect outing is easy.

Highlights of the itinerary include dramatic views of deep gorges – especially in the upper valley, inaccessible to cars – and Le Trétien, a village of national architectural importance thanks to its historical wooden buildings and twisting lanes.

Families will enjoy stopping at Les Marécottes to visit the highest-altitude zoo in Europe, home to black bears, wolves, lynx, marmots, chamois, ibex and many other alpine animals. The adjacent natural swimming pool in the rock, 70 metres long, reaches temperatures of 24-27 degrees in summer, heated by the sun.

In Salvan, a small museum commemorates a pioneering visit by a prestigious guest: Guglielmo Marconi. During an extended stay in summer 1895, he managed to send a message using electromagnetic radiation over a distance of more than 1 kilometre: wireless was born.

The route as a whole forms part of the ViaCook, a cultural itinerary that traces the very first group tour through Switzerland, organised by the British package holiday pioneer Thomas Cook in 1863.

Highlights:

A9 motorway, exit 20 (St-Maurice) if you come from the north, or if you come from the east, exit 21 (Martigny-Fully). Follow the signs for Vernayaz. It is recommended to park your car at the departure point at Vernayaz and take the train from Finhaut to return.