From Champex-Lac, you do the Catogne route, an emblematic mountain of the Pays du St-Bernard.
This route is an excellent trail running course that circles the Catogne passing through Champex-Lac, Bovernier, Sembrancher, Soulalex and Chez-Les-Reuses.
Once you have completed this route, you will probably want to climb to the summit of the Catogne. The view from there is breathtaking!
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Our ambassador Jules-Henri Gabioud’s opinion:
“A beautiful loop around the famous Catogne. It is the spring route par excellence because the altitudes are not too high and the trails are quite quickly accessible in the season. Many villages dot the route with numerous water points for your refreshment. Be careful of avalanche corridor passages in the Trappists area which can still be tricky early in the season.”
Directions
From the Champex-Lac tourist office, follow the road towards the chairlift then head in the direction of Champex d’en bas. Descend along the valley crossing different hamlets such as Champex d’en bas or Marioty. Continue descending alternating between road sections and small trails until reaching Bémont. At the exit of the hamlet, reach a hairpin bend on the road and follow the dirt road descending towards the village of Bovernier. Turn right in the village and briefly follow the Grand St-Bernard road before passing the forestry shed. Pass next to a fountain then take the path through the woods along the left bank of the Dranse until reaching the Sembrancher train station. Cross the village and then head towards La Garde. Continue climbing through the villages of Soulalex and Chez-Les-Reuses before reaching the center of Champex-Lac along the lake.
Getting there
Exit the highway at Martigny.
Follow the direction Grand-Saint-Bernard then leave the main road at Orsières and follow Champex-Lac.
It is also possible to leave the main road at Bovernier and pass through Valettes but the road is narrow and very winding.
Free parking near the lake
By train to Orsières then by bus to Champex-Lac.
Timetables on www.sbb.ch.
