This itinerary in the heart of the Val Ferret offers a breathtaking view of the Italian-Swiss valley and the jagged mountains that overlook it.
As you exit the village of La Fouly, take the path that goes up to the Petit col Ferret. The path makes a sharp turn at the Gîte de la Léchère and the grassy pastures quickly give way to the rocky world of the Taves du Dolent. Beneath the imposing Mont Dolent, you’ll reach the first pass with a spectacular view of the Val Ferret and the Grandes Jorasses. Cross over to the Italian side and enjoy a run through large expanses of grass before returning to Swiss territory via the Grand Col Ferret. Head down to the alpine pasture of La Peule on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc route. From the hut, follow a short, relatively steep climb before starting your descent towards the valley, where the path crosses numerous bridges to explore both sides of the Dranse.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Stop by the Alpage de la Peule for a great espresso and delicious cheese. Open mid-June through mid-September.
Directions
From La Fouly, the trail starts gradually uphill toward the Gîte de la Léchère where, making a sharp turn, it continues steadily uphill to Petit Col Ferret which is one way of getting to Italy, while the Grand Col Ferret leads back to Swiss territory. Coming back into Switzerland, the trail heads down to the Alpage de la Peule. A short but steep climb follows, before dropping downtoward the Torrent des Peaux, turning just before Mont Percé. Passing Les Ars Dessus, the trail traverses the grassy hillside known as the Ravines des Ars before descending to Ferret, crossing the river, and following the Dranse de Ferret back to La Fouly.
La Fouly – Léchère – Petit Col Ferret – Grand Col Ferret – Alpage de la Peule – Torrent des Peaux- Les Ars Dessus – Ferret – La Fouly
Getting there
Take the A9 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Route du Grand-Saint-Bernard towards Orsières. Follow Som-la-Proz, Issert, Branche-d’en-Bas and Prayon before reaching La Fouly and continuing on the Route de Ferret.
Parking is available along in Route de Ferret in La Fouly.
Take the train to Martigny, followed by a regional connection to Sembrancher and then another to Orsières, from where a bus runs to Ferret and then La Fouly.