Tour of the Val d'Anniviers: Vallon de Réchy - Louché mountain lake (stage 5)

Logo Tour of the Val d'Anniviers: Vallon de Réchy - Louché mountain lake (stage 5)
Logo Tour of the Val d'Anniviers: Vallon de Réchy - Louché mountain lake (stage 5)
Tour data
14.96km
2,177 - 2,573m
Distance
541hm
531hm
Ascent
04:40h
 
Duration
Brief description

Varied hike starting with a scenic gondola ride to Crêt du Midi. Trail leads into the magnificent Vallon de Réchy and loops up to "Le Louché" lake. 

Difficulty
medium
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Crêt du Midi (gondola summit)

Route
Crêt du Midi (2,327 m)
Restaurant du Crêt-du-Midi
Le Pichioc
3.9 km
Cabane de la Rèche
9.2 km
Restaurant du Crêt-du-Midi
14.8 km
Crêt du Midi (2,327 m)
14.9 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

Located between the Val d'Hérens and the Val d'Anniviers, the Réchy valley is a veritable gem of which the upper part is completely free of roads and buildings. The starting point of the trail is at Crêt-du-Midi. Enjoy the panorama of the Rhone Valley from the cable car that connects Vercorin. From here, the path follows the eastern side of the valley, offering a magnificent view of its forests, meadows and clearings. This level ends on a rock barrier that La Rèche crosses in the tumult of a magnificent waterfall. The next level, the middle valley, is dominated by the Ar du Tsan, a large marshy basin where the river meanders. Continue up the valley to the upper valley and the mountain lake of Louché, a site of absolute tranquillity and a good chance of wildlife sightings. On the way down, the route passes through the eastern side of the valley and finally reaches the Crêt-du-Midi by the same route.

Directions

From the top of the cable car at Crêt-du-Midi, the path climbs slightly up the eastern side of the valley. It skirts the marshes of the Ar du Tsan from the west and passes near a waterfall.

The ascent continues along a picturesque pond, the Gouille de Potoc, before reaching the banks of the Lac du Louché, the highest point of the hike.

On the way down, the path takes another route along the eastern side of the valley to reach Ar du Tsan. From here, take the same road that leads to the Crêt-du-Midi.

Highest point
2,573 m
Endpoint

Crêt du Midi (gondola summit)

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

We recommend: 

good footwear clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket hat or cap sunscreen bottle for water picnic camera binoculars (optional) hiking poles (optional) printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear
Safety instructions

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page. Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife. Close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather. Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone. Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips

The Anniviers Liberté pass offers a 50% discount on the funicular and free travel on the PostBus as well as certain activities.

Additional information

View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility: 

N°217 Chemin du Vallon de Réchy

More information: 

Vercorin Val d'Anniviers

Directions

Motorway A9, exit 28 (Sierre-ouest) Follow the signs to "Vercorin".

Public transportation

Take the train to Sierre, then the bus to Vercorin, or the bus from Sierre to Chalais then the cable car from Chalais to Vercorin. Take the cable car from Vercorin to Crêt-du-Midi. All information about the timetable is available on www.cff.ch.

Parking

Parking at the Vercorin cable car. Follow the signs for parking in Vercorin.


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General info

Refreshment stop
Insider tip
Flora
Fauna
A lot of view
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