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Chemin des Contrées

· 1 review · Hikes · Crans-Montana · Open
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  • randonnée - Valais: Chemin des Contrées
    randonnée - Valais: Chemin des Contrées
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As of the summer 2020, the Chemin des Contrées path links Mollens and Nayes and St-Maurice-de-Laques in the middle of the Noble Contrée region and Diogne and Chermignon-d’en-Bas, linking via the Grand Bisse to Icogne-Lens, in the heart of the Louable Contrée region. This easy and almost flat route at an altitude of 1,000m traverses extraordinary wild surroundings, with a direct link to the SMC and Post bus routes.

 

Punctuated by forests, scree and streams, and offering breathtaking viewpoints, this route is truly an educational excursion, thanks to seven information panels which enable walkers to explore the wealth of history in the region, thanks to testimonies from local people.

Open
moderate
Distance 14.8 km
4:25 h
217 m
249 m
1,088 m
951 m
The challenge of the « Chemin des Contrées » is to link the districts known as the Louable & Noble Contrée (the territory which connects Sierre to the Plaine Morte) by a new route. The inhospitable areas of the Gouffre du Boup and the Echerts and Chertines forests were until now impassable.

 

To the east, Mollens is the departure point for this hike in a bucolic landscape, which can be enjoyed almost year-round. The area previously covered by the old commune is immense – over 3,000 hectares – stretching from the Planige plateau above Miège to the Faverges, on the boundary with the canton of Bern.

 

Along the route, different historic buildings such as the chapel, the Maison Bourgeoisiale and the communal building in Mollens allow walkers to witness the wealth of local heritage. The parish church of St-Maurice de Laques, which has Medieval origins, was once an important place of worship in the area. Walkers can therefore contemplate over 750 years of history. 

 

Further, the « Le Boup » site (a patois name which means « hole » or « ravine ») is a legacy of the glacial retreat. This amazing natural arena will delight geology fans. This mineral area transforms into an area resembling an Amazonian forest when vegetation starts growing in spring.

Profile picture of Florence Clivaz
Author
Florence Clivaz 
Update: May 03, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
1,088 m
Lowest point
951 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 17.88%Forested/wild trail 67.60%Path 9.74%Road 4.76%
Asphalt
2.7 km
Forested/wild trail
10 km
Path
1.4 km
Road
0.7 km
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Safety information

Certain parts are not advisable for those subject to vertigo.

Please follow the marked paths and respect nature (fauna and flora).

 

You should check the weather conditions before you leave.

 

Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès declines all responsibility in the event of an accident.

Start

Mollens (1,068 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'606'321E 1'129'381N
DD
46.315802, 7.520701
DMS
46°18'56.9"N 7°31'14.5"E
UTM
32T 386108 5130199
w3w 
///hacking.duck.calculating

Destination

Icogne

Turn-by-turn directions

Mollens - Departure at Carrefour de la Poste - Cross the Cantonal Road (Rue de Montana) - Take Rue de la Ciblette - Then Route de Tsampriman (ON YOUR LEFT) - Then Route de la Gare

- St-Maurice-de-Laques - Diogne - Chermignon-d'en-Bas - Icogne

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

The village of Mollens is easily accessible from Sierre station or from Crans-Montana with the SMC bus company. 

The nearest stop to the start of this hike is: Mollens VS

By road

To reach Mollens by car, take the exit of the A9 motorway (Rhône motorway) called "Sierre Est". Follow the signs for "Crans-Montana". The journey takes about 20 minutes until Mollens. 

Parking

You can park your car for free here: Rue de l'Ancienne Laiterie 1. The car park is close to the starting point of the hike. 

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'606'321E 1'129'381N
DD
46.315802, 7.520701
DMS
46°18'56.9"N 7°31'14.5"E
UTM
32T 386108 5130199
w3w 
///hacking.duck.calculating
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Author’s map recommendations

Summer hiking map, available at the tourist office.

Hiking map Crans-Montana-Sierre, edition mpa by Orell Füssli, 1:25'000, 2019 edition

Equipment

Good walking shoes. 

Questions and answers

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Rating

5.0
(1)
Jacqueline Besson
May 29, 2022 · Community
J'ai fait plusieurs fois partiellement ce chemin des contrées. Départ depuis Darnona - Tovachire - Digone - St. Maurice des Laques/Mollens et retour à Darnona. Environs 9 km. C'est une belle découverte avec plusieurs tableaux didactiques, des bancs et /ou tables pour piquer -nique toute au longue du parcours. Egalement plusieurs belles points de vue sur les montagne et la plaine. Juste magnifique et une belle randonnée pour moi depuis la maison sans besoin de prendre la voiture. :-)
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Route done on May 08, 2022

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Status
Open
Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
14.8 km
Duration
4:25 h
Ascent
217 m
Descent
249 m
Highest point
1,088 m
Lowest point
951 m
Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights 'Healthy climate' Linear route

Weather at the route's trailhead

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