recommended route
Stage 10
Valais Cycling Tour: Le Bouveret - Sion (stage 10)
Cycling
· Valais
-
Professional cyclist Steve Morabito with friends on the road in the Rhone valley shortly before Sion.Photo: André Meier, Switzerland Tourism
From the lakeside town of Le Bouveret to the capital of Valais, this stage runs along the banks of the Rhône River and through vineyards before climbing towards the spa resort of Ovronnaz.
moderate
Distance 85.8 km
6:35 h
1,179 m
1,065 m
1,371 m
374 m
Valais is more than just a mountainous region, as the canton extends all the way to the shores of Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe. The start of the route takes you along the Rhône, the iconic river that runs through the entire canton. This stage allows you to discover the beautiful vineyards of Valais, which are known for being the most extensive in Switzerland. The ascent to Ovronnaz resort is the highlight of the route and is marked out using Valais cycle signs. You can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view as you make your way downhill to the winemaking municipality of Chamoson. The final section of the route continues towards Ardon and Conthey before finally reaching Sion. Enjoy the charming terraces in the city centre while you're there!
Author’s recommendation
Once you're at Illarsaz, cross the bridge over the Rhône to reach the velodrome at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle. Take a refreshing break at the centre's café-restaurant!
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Ovronnaz, 1,371 m
Lowest point
Le Bouveret, Rte du Lac, 374 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).Tips and hints
More information:
Start
Le Bouveret, Rte du Lac (374 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'554'958E 1'137'318N
DD
46.385713, 6.853126
DMS
46°23'08.6"N 6°51'11.3"E
UTM
32T 334923 5139144
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Destination
Sion, Rue de l'Industrie, 1950 Sion
Turn-by-turn directions
The beginning of the route is flat and rises slowly along the shady banks of the Rhône River. After passing close to St-Maurice and its ancient abbey, the route changes direction near Martigny and the elbow of the Rhône. You then enter the heart of Valais as you ride through Fully and its orchards. The stage continues through the vineyards before climbing towards Ovronnaz resort. A magnificent panoramic view awaits you during your descent into the winemaking village of Chamoson. The route continues in the direction of Ardon and then Conthey before reaching the city of Sion. Enjoy the charming terraces in the city centre while you're there!
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
SBB train from St-Maurice/Monthey. Bus services also available.Getting there
From the A9 motorway, take the Villeneuve exit and follow the H144 road. After crossing the Rhône, take a right on road number 21 towards France until Le Bouveret.Parking
This tour takes place over several stages and the starting and finishing points are at different locations. Therefore, we advise that you travel to the starting point by public transport. To do so, we recommend you use the car park at Aquaparc or the Swiss Vapeur Parc. Please follow the parking instructions.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'554'958E 1'137'318N
DD
46.385713, 6.853126
DMS
46°23'08.6"N 6°51'11.3"E
UTM
32T 334923 5139144
w3w
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures:
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Difficulty
moderate
Distance
85.8 km
Duration
6:35 h
Ascent
1,179 m
Descent
1,065 m
Highest point
1,371 m
Lowest point
374 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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