Head off to discover the Val Ferret from Orsières, a gentle climb that is well worth discovering for the beauty of its landscape and the richness of its alpine flora.
The route starts at the Orsières railway station and heads towards Somlaproz on the Route de Ferret, which you follow throughout the Val Ferret. The climb is not very steep and allows you to pedal at a good pace through the meadows, admiring the many peaks that enclose the valley linking Switzerland and Italy. The Mont Dolent and the Aiguille d’Argentière are among the most remarkable in the area. On the way up to the hamlet of Ferret, you’ll also pass through typical villages such as Praz-de-Fort and La Fouly. This unspoilt and relatively unknown valley is well worth exploring by bike, as it offers a reasonable climb in terms of difficulty and safe roads with little traffic.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Once in Ferret, head for the Ars mountain pasture to enjoy a risotto served in a cheese “wheel” or “Crozets au gratin”!
Directions
From Orsières station, turn left onto the Route de Ferret to reach the hamlet of Somlaproz. Continue on this road for about 15 kilometres, passing through the hamlets of Praz-de-Fort and Branche-d’en-Haut before reaching the village of La Fouly. In the immediate vicinity of the tourist office, keep to the left and follow the road for two kilometres to the hamlet of Ferret.
Getting there
Take the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, then take the Martigny-Grand St. Bernard exit towards Sembrancher and then Orsières onto the Grand St-Bernard Route (Route 21).
Parking at the central square in Orsières.
Travel to Martigny and then to Orsières on the St-Bernard Express line (change train in Sembrancher).