recommended route
Grand bisse d’Ayent
Hikes
· Valais
-
Grand bisse d’AyentPhoto: OT Anzère, OT Anzère
From the imposing Tseuzier dam, set off on a spectacular hike and discover the restored gutters that run along the rock face near Torrent-Croix.
moderate
Distance 11.7 km
3:30 h
2 m
469 m
1,779 m
1,327 m
The Grand Bisse d’Ayent, built in 1442, draws its water near Tseuzier dam. Although the upper part of the bisse has dried up since the completion of the dam, traces of it are still visible along the way. The section known as Les Follés is exclusively for people who are not afraid of heights, as the bisse runs along a rocky ridge. Upon arriving at Torrent-Croix, discover the incredible work achieved by our forebears: the bisse was built in the rock with bare hands and uses gutters attached to the cliff face, immortalized in 2019 on the back of the CHF 100 banknote. The gutters have not been in use for a number of years and the bisse now runs through a 95 m long tunnel in the middle of which a passage leads to a platform offering a magnificent view of the entire set-up. You can choose to end your hike in Anzère or continue to Arbaz. The arrival point is near the Étang Long, located in the centre of the village and popular with fishermen.
Author’s recommendation
At the end of your hike, head for Botyre to discover the Bisses Museum, located in a beautiful 17th century building that has been completely renovated.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Barrage de Tseuzier, 1,779 m
Lowest point
Arbaz, Étang Long, 1,327 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0.7 km
Forested/wild trail
0.9 km
Path
10.1 km
Road
0.1 km
Rest stops
Restaurant du Lac - TseuzierSafety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
For all hikes:
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on the «Print» icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, as well as to the plants and animals.
- Do not leave any waste in nature.
For mountain hikes:
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your hike carefully: take into consideration the fitness level of each participant, the weather forecast and the season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
For high-altitude hikes:
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips and hints
View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility:
More information about the destination Anzère:
Start
Barrage de Tseuzier (1,779 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'599'643E 1'132'742N
DD
46.346061, 7.434009
DMS
46°20'45.8"N 7°26'02.4"E
UTM
32T 379500 5133690
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Destination
Arbaz, Étang Long
Turn-by-turn directions
Your hike to the Grand Bisse d'Ayent begins on the wall of the Tseuzier dam and follows the path that descends near the restaurant, leading to the Lienne valley up to where the bisse crosses it. This first part is equipped with a handrail in the steepest places and is exclusively for people who are not prone to vertigo. Alternatively, you can also start the hike at the Samarin PostBus stop to avoid this part. Follow the signposts leading through varied landscapes and admire the vestiges of the past and the incredible construction work done to bring water to the vineyards below. Continue your hike to the Mayens d'Arbaz, where the "Café du Lac" bus stop allows you to return to the valley or your vehicle easily.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Take the train to Sion, then the PostBus line 352 to Tseuzier Dam (operational from mid-June to mid-September).Getting there
From the A9 highway, take exit 27 (Sion-Est) and follow the signs to Ayent. Once you reach the village of Saint-Romain, continue in the direction of Fortunau following the signs for Les Rousses. Just after Les Rousses lift parking lot, the road continues through a tunnel and on to Tseuzier dam.Parking
Tseuzier dam has a parking lot.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'599'643E 1'132'742N
DD
46.346061, 7.434009
DMS
46°20'45.8"N 7°26'02.4"E
UTM
32T 379500 5133690
w3w
///operation.snooze.harmony
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Arbaz and Anzère has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1286 St-Léonard / 1306 Sion
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water
- picnic
- camera
- binoculars (optional)
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click on the «Print» icon, to download)
For certain walks:
- Swimwear
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
11.7 km
Duration
3:30 h
Ascent
2 m
Descent
469 m
Highest point
1,779 m
Lowest point
1,327 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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