This scenic itinerary from Vallorcine to Champex-Lac explores the dramatic Mont-Blanc region straddling the French-Swiss border.
Discover a mountain biking region of unique charm. Located at the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc, the Trient valley links the Rhône valley and Chamonix valley, and promises a magical adventure. You’ll enjoy superb views of Mont Blanc, as well as a chance to visit fascinating attractions along the way – from natural gorges and the Trient glaciers to Emosson, with its dams, geological site and fossilised dinosaur footprints. The magnificent route beginning in Vallorcine (France) and ending in Champex-Lac (Switzerland) offers pure biking pleasure.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Visit the pink church of Trient, take a break at the sunny summit of the Col de la Forclaz and explore the Durnand gorges.
Directions
You can reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine by train, on the Mont-Blanc Express from Martigny (or from Chamonix). The route initially climbs to the base station of the Tête de Balme chairlift before crossing the border into Switzerland and then descending to the pretty hamlet of Les Jeurs. Continue to the village of Trient, where you can visit the famous pink church. Then take the old La Forclaz road up to the Col de la Forclaz and begin the long descent to Martigny-Croix. This is where the ascent to Champex-Lac begins. Climb as far as Les Valettes. From here, take the road to the right that leads to the Durnand gorges, which you can visit along the way. Then continue the climb as far as Champex-Lac.
Getting there
A9 motorway to Martigny (exit 21). Park in Martigny.Â
As this route has different starting and finishing points, make use of public transport to reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine. Take the Mont-Blanc Express train from Martigny.
Take the SBB train to Martigny. Then take the Mont-Blanc Express in Martigny (or Chamonix).Â