recommended route
Stage 6
Valais Cycling Tour: St-Luc Anniviers - Veysonnaz (stage 6)
Cycling
· Saint-Luc
-
/ St-LucPhoto: Valais -
/ Découvrir le Valais en véloVideo: Valais Wallis
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/ Evolène - Dent BlanchePhoto: Sion, Valais
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/ Mazot in EvolènePhoto: Valais
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/ The Earth Pyramids of EuseignePhoto: Valais
From St-Luc in the Val d’Anniviers to the mountain resort of Veysonnaz, the sixth stage takes you into the wild and unspoiled Val d’Hérens, bringing you to the famous Piste de l’Ours (The Bear Piste).
moderate
Distance 77.2 km
5:00 h
1,901 m
2,212 m
1,642 m
893 m
The road from St-Luc towards Ayer winds through pine trees and small streams. After a few kilometres you take the split towards Zinal through the picturesque village of Grimentz and cross to the other side of the Val d’Anniviers. Without ever having to descend back to the Rhone Valley, you head to Vercorin, then Nax along a road that gives you the impression of being suspended over the Rhone Valley. After Nax, the road descends a few kilometres towards Loye where you will discover one of the most beautiful hidden valleys of the Valais: the Val d’Hérens. From Vex there is no way down; you simply ride from one valley to the next. It’s absolutely exhilarating. The road stays high until you reach Veysonnaz.
Author’s recommendation
Don’t forget to stop by the earth pyramids of Euseigne. These piles of glacier moraine can reach 10 to 15 metres high, most wearing a big rock that protects their structure. They were formed at the end of the last glaciation called the Würm, 80,000 – 10,000 years ago. They are one of the most amazing geological curiosities of the Alps.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Mayens de Vernamiège, 1,642 m
Lowest point
Itravers, 893 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety 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
St-Luc, Bella Tola (1,641 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'612'111E 1'118'883N
DD
46.221288, 7.595598
DMS
46°13'16.6"N 7°35'44.2"E
UTM
32T 391688 5119593
w3w
///handbook.intervene.duplicity
Destination
Veysonnaz
Turn-by-turn directions
The first kilometres from St-Luc to Grimentz are not too hilly, giving you a moment to enjoy the view of the Matterhorn perched at the tip of the Val d’Anniviers. After you descend a few hairpins out of Grimentz, the route soars back upwards towards Pinsec, then Vercorin. Enjoy an incredible panoramic view on your descent to the village of Loye before the next, often steep climb into Nax and the Val d’Hérens. Cutting into this side valley, you cross the villages of Vernamiège, Mase and St-Martin before the descent towards Euseigne and its famous natural earth pyramids. The last segment from Vex takes you up through Les Agettes, finally bringing you into the resort of Veysonnaz. Enjoy the stunning views of the valley and neighbouring peaks!
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
CFF train to Sierre then postal bus to St-Luc via Vissoie.Getting there
Exit the autoroute A9 at Sierre Est. Follow signs to Val d'Anniviers.Parking
This tour is one stage of the Valais Cycling tour where the finish is not at the same place as the starting point. Therefore, we recommend arriving by public transport. Otherwise there are parkings at the cableways or at the tourist office in St-Luc, follow the local park routeing to access them.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'612'111E 1'118'883N
DD
46.221288, 7.595598
DMS
46°13'16.6"N 7°35'44.2"E
UTM
32T 391688 5119593
w3w
///handbook.intervene.duplicity
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Swiss Activity Map: National map with SwitzerlandMobility routes to scale 1:275'000
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Basic Equipment for Bike Riding
- Cycling helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Sturdy, comfortable and preferably waterproof footwear
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket)
- Sunglasses
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
Technical Equipment for Bike Riding
- Air pump or CO2 pump including cartridges
- Puncture repair kit
- Replacement inner tube
- Tire levers
- Chain tool
- Hex keys
- Phone / device holder as required
- Bike lock as required
- Where applicable, the bike must meet requirements for road use by having a bell, front and rear lamps and spoke reflectors
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
77.2 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
1,901 m
Descent
2,212 m
Highest point
1,642 m
Lowest point
893 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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