Chemin du Vignoble: Venthône – Leuk (stage 4)

There are three versions of the Chemin du Vignoble («Vineyard Trail») through the main winegrowing villages of Valais: for motorists, for cyclists and for hikers. The 4-stage, 65-km hiking trail culminates in this dramatic walk along the wildest stretch of the entire lower Rhône valley.

Because of the unstable geology, this stretch of the Rhône has never been tamed. The branching river, its stony islands and the vast pine forests on its southern banks – among the largest in the Alps – form the heart of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. This vast reserve, one of Switzerland’s biodiversity hotspots, stretches from the river up to mountaintops and glaciers, taking in the vineyards on the north bank – through which our trail leads.

This leg of the Chemin du Vignoble is notable for another reason: it crosses the river Raspille, which marks the boundary between French- and German-speaking Valais. The atmosphere in French-speaking Venthône and Miège is quite different to that in German-speaking Salgesch, Varen and Leuk – which adds to the charm of this hike.

Highlights along the way include the Espace Terroirs in Miège. This innovative visitor centre features an exhibition that explores the way soil and landscape affect vines and wines; there’s also a café-restaurant and a tasting venue with more than 50 wines.

As well as glorious views, the hike promises a rich experience of local history – culminating in Leuk, home to many fine medieval buildings including an impressive castle imaginatively renovated by the leading Swiss architect Mario Botta, now a cultural venue with music, theatre and exhibitions. Leuk is also home to Switzerland’s oldest vine: a Cornalin planted in 1798 in the heart of the village.

Highlights:

The walk begins a short bus ride from Sierre, in the village of Venthône (bus stop «village»). The route is clearly signposted throughout.

In Miège, the Espace Terroirs lies a few metres to the right of the trail in the village centre. This is also the starting point for the «Sentier des Terroirs» (Geology and Grapes Trail), which loops between our route and the Sentier Viticole («Vineyards Trail»). The latter runs from Sierre to Salgesch, downhill from the Chemin du Vignoble, connecting the two sites of the Wine Museum of Valais.

In Varen, it is worth detouring about 200 m south to the hilltop church for a sensational view of the untamed Rhône. This village also has its own charming wine trail, the Pfyfoltruweg («Butterfly Trail»).

In Leuk, allow time to stroll around the village to admire the many historical buildings. On the way out of the village, about 100 m to the right of the trail, the beautifully decorated Ringackerkapelle is one of the finest baroque chapels in Valais.