tour de grand chavalard

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• Grand Chavalard

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The Grand Chavalard stands in the south-west of Switzerland above the Rhône Valley, near the town of Martigny and the village of Fully. The Grand Chavalard and the Dent de Morcles are the most western situated summits of the Muverans Group (highest summit is Grand Muveran 3051 m). This Group spreads from the Rhône Valley to the Diablerets. The summit is located between the Lakes of Fully, the Col de Fénestral and the villages of Fully, in the Rhône Valley, and Ovronnaz, near the Grand Muveran. The Grand Chavalard, it is the mountain of Fully... which it overhangs the top of its 2901 meters. For more informations about the country of Fully and the Valais ... take a look at TopRando.ch

• Getting There

Nearest airports are Sion (20 km) or Geneva (120 km) Easier start point to climb the Grand Chavalard is L'Erié (1850 m), that you can reach by : - the highway A9 Lausanne/Sion, exit Martigny/Fully - at Fully, take the little road of Chiboz - then, the road without practicable coating of Randonne.

• When To Climb

In summer only

The Hut of Sorniot is between the two lakes, at 2060 meters, with crossroads of Erié, Col de Fénestral, and Demècre. The mountain pasture of Sorniot is right at side. The place is attended enough ! The Hut of Demècre is located on the edge which connects the Dent de Morcles to the Head of the Portail of Fully, at 2360 meters... The Hut of Fénestral is with 2440 meters, on the back of Chavalard, with the Col de Fénestral, which make it possible to join Ovronnaz and Muverans, and the Rambert Hut...

• The Grand Cor

With the foot of the Dent de Morcles and Tita Sèri, the large rock projecting ledge of Grand Cor dominates the Col de Fénestral and the Lakes Sorniot. At the bottom of the Grand Cor, a small lake... but no more water ! A little sweetness abd freshness in this cluster of rocks would be well appreciated. The place makes the happiness of the spéléos with its "pits" from which the galleries go down until almost 600 meters under ground. For more informations, look at the Groupe spéléo de Lausanne !

• The Tour of Grand Chavalard

The Tour of Grand Chavalard is an excursion of 13 km which leaves unforgettable memories. The ideal starting point is at Erié. One can make the course in the two directions, but I prefer to start by going up in north towards Petit Pré and Grand Pré, to reach with 2450 meters the Col de Fénestral. It is the climax of the day, that one reaches thus already after 5 km of way. Top of the Col de Fénestral, while being turned over towards Ovronnaz, one can admire Six Armaille and Haut-de-Cry, as well as the area of Muverans... and southern side, Sorniot and the Lakes Fully. At the top of the Col, the Hut of Fénestral and the beginning of the narrow path and badly marked which leads to the Grand Cor.

• Pedestrian races

The great classic race is Fully-Sorniot !... more than 1600 meters of uneven, and what a uneven! It takes place each year at the end of September. The departure is given to the Belle Usine. Fastest reach the arrival with the Hut of Sorniot in 1 hour ! The Vertical Kilometer skirts the rail installed above the buried pressure pipe of the electric factory. The last section is particularly abrupt ! The race takes place at at the end of October. The best arrives at the top in less than 35 minutes.

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Tour du Grand Chavalard

Sehr tolle und vielseitige Bergeanderung!

Exhilarating high loop around the flanks of the Grand Chavalard (2,899 m). Highlights: scenic chairlift ride, crossing of the Col de Fenestral, Fully alpine lakes and spectacular views.

The Grand Chavalard (2,899 m) is the dramatic peak towering over Fully. This hike traces a high loop around the summit, between altitudes of about 1,850 and 2,450 m.

Starting at the top of the Jorasse chairlift, the trail leads through a sequence of magnificent alpine landscapes. The views are spectacular, including from the highest point of the circuit, the Col de Fenestral (2,453 m): over the Fully lakes to the Mont-Blanc massif in the background.    

From here, the trail leads down into the bowl, passing close to the largest lake, the Lac Supérieur de Fully (2,128 m) – part of a pioneering hydroelectric scheme that began operation in 1915. The hydropower station fed by the reservoir lies way down in the Rhône valley, near Fully, and for nearly 20 years boasted the greatest hydraulic head of any such plant in the world (1,643 m). 

Further along the trail hikers get a thrilling impression of this drop. As the path leads across the steep southern flanks of the Grand Chavalard, walkers enjoy breathtaking views all along the Rhône valley – and straight down to Fully.

These slopes are the setting for one of the most dramatic sports events in Valais: the “Kilomètre Vertical de Fully”. This race of exactly 1,000 vertical metres starts at the power station and follows the tracks of a disused funicular railway up to an altitude of 1,500 m.

The route climbs through vineyards, meadows and forests, across a short bridge and even through a 50-metre tunnel. With gradients of 60% and more, this is the world’s steepest – and therefore fastest – vertical kilometre race.

Our trail, meanwhile, is much gentler. After traversing the southern slopes of the Grand Chavalard, it turns north to complete the loop, before a final short climb back to the chairlift summit station.

Highlights:

• Ever-changing sequence of alpine landscapes with superb views – Mont-Blanc, the 4,000-metre peaks of Valais and the Rhône valley
• Choice of refreshment stops – 3 mountain refuges en route
• Thermal spa in Ovronnaz – to soothe sore legs

Author’s recommendation

Fully’s historical hydropower station, framed by vineyards, doubles up as a theatre/music venue called La Belle Usine: catch a show.

Track types

Safety 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 “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, and 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 hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and 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: 

• N°220 Tour du Grand Chavalard

More information about the destination: 

Destination

Turn-by-turn directions.

Start at the top of the Jorasse chairlift (1,940 m), where the Restaurant de Jorasse has a large panoramic terrace and children’s playground. Climb gently to Petit Pré, where the loop proper begins. Follow the loop anticlockwise, starting with a gentle climb to the pastures of Euloi, which turn into a magnificent lake when the snows melt in spring. The path then climbs more steeply to the Col de Fenestral and the welcoming Cabane du Fenestral.

The trail drops down past the larger of the Fully lakes to the Cabane de Sorniot (2,064 m) before climbing out of the bowl to traverse the southern flanks of the Grand Chavalard. At L’Erié, the trail turns northwards, eventually passing a third mountain refuge – the Gîte de Lui d’Août (1,957 m) – just before completing the loop at Petit Pré. The trail then leads back along the spur to the summit station of the of Jorasse chairlift.

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

A9 motorway, exit 24 (Riddes). Follow signs to Leytron, then Ovronnaz.

Coordinates

Book recommendation by the author, author’s map recommendations, book recommendations for this region:.

We recommend: 

• good footwear
• clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
• bottle for water
• binoculars (optional)
• hiking poles (optional)
• printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

Similar routes nearby

• Tour de la Seya
• Chemin du Vignoble: Saillon to Sion (stage 2)
• From Saillon to Farinet footbridge
• Via Alpina Stage 78: Col du Demecre - Vernayaz
• La Voie des Erables

Questions and answers

Would you like to ask the author a question?

Photos from others

Weather at the route's trailhead.

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• 1 Waypoints

Excursions and leisure tips for the region

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Mountain hiking

Grand Chavalard 2899 m Mountain hiking

Étonnant massif qui domine son entourage. Sommet le mieux visible de Martigny, il est très attirant pour son inaccessibilité apparente. Sa vaste vue dégagée et impressionnante sur la plaine du Rhône «si loin si bas» est la récompense de l'ascension.

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Further information

Safety when hiking, hike responsibly, from the route archive, huts in the region.

CAS DIABLERETS LAUSANNE

Cabane Rambert CAS

Ski Club Chavalard

Cabane du Fenestral

Gîte de lui d'août.

Club Les Trotteurs de Fully

Cabane du Demècre

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The spa centre

Rates & timetables, restaurant & accommodation.

Information about Téléovronnaz

Summer activities

Trail running

Jorasse mini zoo

Play area at Jorasse

All-terrain scooters

Les mélèzes - Relax park

Paragliding

Finnish track

Via ferrata

Winter Activities

Ski / Snowboard

Ski touring

Cross-country skiing

Hiking and snowshoeing

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Ovronnaz - Rambert walking race

Culture & leisure

Picnic areas

Toy library

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Destination

Ovronnaz and the surrounding area

Eating & drinking

Restaurants

Restaurants at altitude

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Bed & Breakfast

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Food, local produce, shop

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Tour du Chavalard

From Jorasse, follow the path to the Petit Pré mountain pasture (1,998 m). The path climbs pleasantly to reach Grand Pré d'Euloi, a charming grassy combe. You'll be accompanied by pastures and pebbles as far as Fenestral. At the pass, enjoy a breathtaking view to the south-west of the majestic Mont Blanc massif. To the north-east, the Muverans, the faithful guardians of Ovronnaz, greet you.

The route then takes you to the shores of the upper Fully lake, then to the mountain pasture, the colony and the Sorniot hut. The Chavalard, a limestone citadel and home to the ibex and lammergeier, stands like a sentinel to protect this attractive valley.

After a glance at the lower Lac de Sorniot, the route skirts the southern flank of the Grand Chavalard. This veritable balcony overlooking the Rhône plain carves out a spacious passageway between steep slopes, alpine meadows and rock faces. The final stage takes place on the east face of the Grand Chavalard, overlooking the avalanche-prone Etra couloir. Nestled between the Grand'Garde-La Seya ridge and the Chavalard, this route takes you back to the Lui d'Août and Petit Pré mountain pastures. Follow the Chemin du Tour in the opposite direction back to Jorasse, and finally to Ovronnaz.

Access to the Tour via the Jorasse chairlift.

Car park at the start of the chairlift.

Catering: Jorasse mountain restaurant, Fenestral hut, Sorniot hut, Lui d'Août gîte.

6h00 (no break)

Medium / T2-T3

Height difference

+1127 m / -1127 m

Minimum altitude

Maximum altitude, starting point.

Jorasse arrival of the chairlift

Point of arrival

June to October depending on snow conditions

Did you know ?

Fenestral is a building that began life as a military facility. In 1956, Fully's Chavalard ski club reinvented it to meet its needs. Faced with its dilapidated and cramped condition, a new hut, the 2nd Fenestral, was built in 1980. The evolution continues with the 3rd Fenestral in 2015, the result of a necessary modernisation.

You can also explore the history of Lac Supérieur de Fully, an impressive gravity dam built in 1912 to meet the need for hydropower. Skillfully operated by Forces Motrices de Fully, this lake symbolises human ingenuity and the sustainable use of resources.

Tour du Grand Chavalard

Sehr tolle und vielseitige Bergeanderung!

Exhilarating high loop around the flanks of the Grand Chavalard (2,899 m). Highlights: scenic chairlift ride, crossing of the Col de Fenestral, Fully alpine lakes and spectacular views.

The Grand Chavalard (2,899 m) is the dramatic peak towering over Fully. This hike traces a high loop around the summit, between altitudes of about 1,850 and 2,450 m.

Starting at the top of the Jorasse chairlift, the trail leads through a sequence of magnificent alpine landscapes. The views are spectacular, including from the highest point of the circuit, the Col de Fenestral (2,453 m): over the Fully lakes to the Mont-Blanc massif in the background.    

From here, the trail leads down into the bowl, passing close to the largest lake, the Lac Supérieur de Fully (2,128 m) – part of a pioneering hydroelectric scheme that began operation in 1915. The hydropower station fed by the reservoir lies way down in the Rhône valley, near Fully, and for nearly 20 years boasted the greatest hydraulic head of any such plant in the world (1,643 m). 

Further along the trail hikers get a thrilling impression of this drop. As the path leads across the steep southern flanks of the Grand Chavalard, walkers enjoy breathtaking views all along the Rhône valley – and straight down to Fully.

These slopes are the setting for one of the most dramatic sports events in Valais: the “Kilomètre Vertical de Fully”. This race of exactly 1,000 vertical metres starts at the power station and follows the tracks of a disused funicular railway up to an altitude of 1,500 m.

The route climbs through vineyards, meadows and forests, across a short bridge and even through a 50-metre tunnel. With gradients of 60% and more, this is the world’s steepest – and therefore fastest – vertical kilometre race.

Our trail, meanwhile, is much gentler. After traversing the southern slopes of the Grand Chavalard, it turns north to complete the loop, before a final short climb back to the chairlift summit station.

Highlights:

• Ever-changing sequence of alpine landscapes with superb views – Mont-Blanc, the 4,000-metre peaks of Valais and the Rhône valley
• Choice of refreshment stops – 3 mountain refuges en route
• Thermal spa in Ovronnaz – to soothe sore legs

Author’s recommendation

Fully’s historical hydropower station, framed by vineyards, doubles up as a theatre/music venue called La Belle Usine: catch a show.

Track types

Safety 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 “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, and 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 hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and 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: 

• N°220 Tour du Grand Chavalard

More information about the destination: 

Destination

Turn-by-turn directions.

Start at the top of the Jorasse chairlift (1,940 m), where the Restaurant de Jorasse has a large panoramic terrace and children’s playground. Climb gently to Petit Pré, where the loop proper begins. Follow the loop anticlockwise, starting with a gentle climb to the pastures of Euloi, which turn into a magnificent lake when the snows melt in spring. The path then climbs more steeply to the Col de Fenestral and the welcoming Cabane du Fenestral.

The trail drops down past the larger of the Fully lakes to the Cabane de Sorniot (2,064 m) before climbing out of the bowl to traverse the southern flanks of the Grand Chavalard. At L’Erié, the trail turns northwards, eventually passing a third mountain refuge – the Gîte de Lui d’Août (1,957 m) – just before completing the loop at Petit Pré. The trail then leads back along the spur to the summit station of the of Jorasse chairlift.

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

A9 motorway, exit 24 (Riddes). Follow signs to Leytron, then Ovronnaz.

Coordinates

Book recommendation by the author, author’s map recommendations.

We recommend: 

• good footwear
• clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
• bottle for water
• binoculars (optional)
• hiking poles (optional)
• printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

Similar routes nearby

• Tour de la Seya
• Chemin du Vignoble: Saillon to Sion (stage 2)
• From Saillon to Farinet footbridge
• La Voie des Erables
• Across the Follatères nature reserve to Fully

Questions and answers

Would you like to ask the author a question?

Photos from others

Weather at the route's trailhead.

• Show images Hide images
• 1 Waypoints

Tour du Grand Chavalard

<p>Circuit d’altitude grisant sur les coteaux du Grand Chavalard (2899 m). Points forts: trajet panoramique en télésiège, col de Fenestral, lacs alpins de Fully et vues époustouflantes.</p> <p> </p>

Description

Le Grand Chavalard (2899 m) est le sommet spectaculaire qui surplombe Fully. Cette randonnée en fait le tour à une altitude oscillant entre 1850 et 2450 m.

Le sentier, qui s’ouvre en haut du télésiège de Jorasse, traverse une succession de sublimes paysages alpins. La vue est spectaculaire, en particulier depuis le point le plus élevé du circuit, le col de Fenestral (2453 m): elle s’étend des lacs de Fully au massif du Mont-Blanc en arrière-plan.

De là, le sentier descend dans la cuvette, passant à proximité du plus grand lac, le lac supérieur de Fully (2128 m), qui fait partie d’un système hydroélectrique pionnier lancé en 1915. Loin en aval dans la vallée du Rhône, près de Fully, la centrale alimentée par le réservoir a pu s’enorgueillir pendant près de 20 ans de la hauteur de chute la plus élevée au monde pour une telle installation (1643 m).

Les randonneurs en ont un aperçu plus loin sur le sentier. Sur les pentes abruptes du versant sud du Grand Chavalard, les marcheurs savourent la vue somptueuse sur toute la vallée du Rhône et sur Fully, situé juste en dessous.

Ces pentes accueillent l’un des événements sportifs les plus spectaculaires du Valais: le «km vertical de Fully». Cette course au dénivelé de 1000 m commence à la centrale électrique et suit les rails d’un funiculaire désaffecté jusqu’à une altitude de 1500 m.

Le tracé à travers vignes, prés et forêts emprunte un petit pont et même un tunnel de 50 m de long. Avec des pentes de 60% et plus, il s’agit du kilomètre vertical le plus raide et le plus rapide du monde.

Le sentier est beaucoup moins exigeant. Après avoir franchi les coteaux sud du Grand Chavalard, il bifurque vers le nord pour fermer la boucle avant une courte montée finale vers le sommet du télésiège.

Points forts:

• Successions de décors alpins variés avec vues splendides: Mont-Blanc, 4000 du Valais et vallée du Rhône
• 3 refuges de montagne pour se désaltérer en route
• Spa thermal à Ovronnaz pour délasser les jambes lourdes

Prenez le départ en haut du télésiège de Jorasse (1940 m), au niveau du restaurant doté d’une vaste terrasse panoramique et d’un terrain de jeux. Montez en douceur au Petit Pré où commence le circuit. Parcourez-le en sens antihoraire, en commençant par grimper tranquillement jusqu’au Grand Pré d’Euloi, qui se transforme en magnifique lac à la fonte des neiges. La pente s’accentue ensuite jusqu’au col de Fenestral et à l’accueillante cabane du Fenestral.

Le sentier descend le long du plus grand des lacs de Fully vers la cabane de Sorniot (2064 m), avant de remonter hors de la cuvette pour traverser les coteaux sud du Grand Chavalard. À L’Erié, il bifurque vers le nord et passe finalement devant un troisième refuge, le Gîte de Lui d’Août (1957 m), juste avant de revenir au Petit Pré. Il longe ensuite la voie jusqu’à l’arrivée du télésiège de Jorasse.

Jorasse (arrivée du télésiège) (1939m)

Conseil de l'auteur

Dans son écrin de vignes, la centrale hydroélectrique historique de Fully sert également de salle de théâtre/concert: assistez à un spectacle à La Belle Usine.

Informations techniques

Condition physique, meilleure saison.

• Point(s) de vue
• Itinéraire en boucle
• Point(s) de restauration
• Accès en remontées mécaniques

Transports publics

Nous recommandons : 

• Bonnes chaussures
• Vêtements adaptés à la météo : toujours avoir une veste imperméable
• Chapeau ou casquette
• Crème solaire
• Bouteille d’eau
• Pique-nique
• Appareil photo
• Bâtons de marche (facultatif)
• Jumelles (facultatif)
• Version imprimée de l’itinéraire (cliquez sur « imprimer » pour télécharger)  

Pour certaines promenades :

• Maillot de bain

Consignes de sécurité

L’utilisation des itinéraires et des informations de ce site web en va de la responsabilité de chaque randonneur. Les conditions sur place peuvent entrainer des modifications de parcours. Valais/Wallis Promotion décline toute responsabilité quant à l’exactitude et à l’intégralité des informations du site web.

Pour toutes les randonnées :

• Emportez une carte. Téléchargez la description complète de l’itinéraire avec une carte à grande échelle en cliquant sur l’icône « imprimer », au sommet à droite de la page.
• Empruntez uniquement les chemins balisés et observez tous les panneaux de signalisation – pour votre sécurité, pour la protection du bétail et pour ne pas perturber les animaux sauvages.
• Refermez les barrières après votre passage.
• Soyez respectueux des autres usagers, ainsi que des plantes et animaux. 

Pour les randonnées en montagne :

• Faites particulièrement attention à bien vous protéger du soleil en altitude. Les rayons UV peuvent être très puissants, même par ciel couvert.
• Planifiez votre randonnée attentivement : prenez en considération le niveau physique de chaque participant, les prévisions météo et la saison.
• Les conditions météo peuvent changer rapidement et inopinément en montagne. Il est essentiel d’avoir des vêtements adaptés, ainsi que des réserves suffisantes de nourriture et d’eau. En cas de météo incertaine, faites marche arrière à temps.

Pour les randonnées en haute-montagne :

• Informez d’autres personnes au sujet de votre itinéraire. Si possible, évitez de partir seul.
• Ne vous aventurez pas sur des glaciers sans un guide de montagne.
• Prenez connaissance des panneaux de mise en garde du danger constant dans le lit des rivières, le long des cours d’eau en-dessous de barrages ou de réservoirs : le niveau de l’eau peut monter rapidement et inopinément.

Plus d'informations

Voir l'itinéraire sur SuisseMobile: 

• N°220 Tour du Grand Chavalard

En savoir plus sur la destination:

Brochures et informations

L''office de tourisme à Ovronnaz met à disposition des brochures pour la randonnée dans la région. 

Cartes nationales SwissTopo 1:25'000 : 1305 Dent de Morcles

Cette activité vous est proposée par Valais/Wallis Promotion .

Autres itinéraires

Tour de la Seya

Vents & Voyages

Le tour du Grand Chavalard

Tu cherches une belle randonnée à la journée, qui combine des paysages minéral, des lacs, des panoramas sympathiques pour un effort modéré ? Le tour du Grand Chavalard est fait pour toi !  

Voici mon retour sur cette magnifique boucle en Valais Suisse qui emprunte la variante par le sentier du Grand Château.

Le tour du Grand Chavalard - en résumé

Départ / Arrivée:

Parking de l'Erié

Difficulté:

Moyen (2/5) / T2

Retrouve l’itinéraire et la trace GPX à télécharger sur le site Alltrails

Le tour du Grand Château

Afin d’ajouter un peu de difficulté et de kilomètres à cette boucle nous avons choisi d’emprunter la variante du Grand Château et je peux d’ores et déjà te dire que c’était une très bonne idée !

Mais avant de t’en dire plus, revenons au début de ce sentier. Après plusieurs lacets sur une minuscule route à flanc de falaises, nous arrivons vers 10h au parking d’Erié. Premier constat, en cette fin juillet, les randonneurs sont nombreux. Deuxième constat, beaucoup commencent la boucle dans le sens inverse (le sens des aiguilles d’une montre). Soit ils montent directement à la cabane de Fénéstral par la voie la plus courte, soit ils prévoient de monter au sommet. Quoi qu’il en soit, ça nous arrange, ça fera moins de monde de notre côte du sentier 🙂

Depuis le parking nous rejoignons en une petite heure la cabane du Lui d’Aout, en suivant le chemin bien balisé. Bien que sympathique, cette section est la plus inintéressante du parcours car elle n’offre aucune vue, ni sur le Grand Chavalard, ni sur le massif du Mont Blanc. Parfait pour commencer en douceur.

Au niveau du refuge, le sentier normal continue tout droit, mais la variante vers le Grand Château nous fait couper vers notre gauche. 

Heureusement que le gardien du refuge était présent car sinon je crois qu’on serait encore en train de chercher le sentier, très mal indiqué. Comme tu peux le voir sur la carte, nous revenons sur nos pas, sauf que nous longeons le sentier quelques mètres plus haut et cette fois avec la superbe vue sur le Mont Blanc, quand il n’est pas dans les nuages.

Alors que la première portion du sentier évolue doucement mais sûrement au milieu des alpages, la deuxième portion après le coude au niveau du Creux de Boué est plus sportive avec une belle montée bien raide.

Cependant, l’effort de l’ascension jusqu’au plateau est récompensé par le panorama grandiose qui nous entoure. Entre les sommets du Grand Chavalard, du Grand Château et du Six de Doe nous nous sentons vraiment tout petits. Complètement seuls sur le sentier à profiter de ce décor c’est exactement ce que j’aime en randonnée.

Le col de Fenestral et le lac de Fully

Après une pause photo, nous continuons le parcours sur un sentier très minéral, sur l’un des versants du Grand Château. 

Une descente aussi raide que l’était la montée de l’autre côté avant de rejoindre le plancher des vaches, la verdure des alpages et le flot de randonneurs arrivant du téléphérique de Petit Pré. 

Mais le repos est de courte durée puisqu’à peine descendus, il faut entamer la deuxième ascension de la journée vers le col de Fenestral et son panorama tant attendu.

Avec déjà 600 mètres de dénivelé dans les jambes, cette deuxième montée nécessite des pauses plus fréquentes. Ce qui n’est pas vraiment un problème compte tenu du nombre de randonneurs sur le sentier. Tout le monde se suit, à son rythme en profitant des paysages. 

L’arrivée au col fait du bien aux jambes. Et aux yeux ! Devant moi, un paysage de carte postale se dévoile avec le magnifique lac de Fully au premier plan et le massif du Mont-Blanc en arrière plan. Typiquement le genre de panorama qui me confirme que j’ai bien fait de me lever tôt ce matin là !

L’endroit est parfait pour se pauser quelques instants et casser la croûte avant de terminer la dernière partie de la randonnée.

Matériel de randonnée Si tu cherches à t’équiper avec du matériel de qualité je te conseille les enseignes / sites suivants, tous spécialisés dans les équipements outdoor:

Les Coteaux sud du Grand Chavalard

Plein d’énergie, nous continuons notre tour du Grand Chavalard direction le lac de Fully.

Depuis le refuge, plusieurs options sont possibles. Soit descendre jusqu’au lac et le longer jusqu’à la cabane de Sorniot puis remonter jusqu’au sentier, soit continuer le sentier sur les hauteurs du lac afin d’éviter de s’ajouter du dénivelé. Sachant que j’avais mal à mon genou, le moins de dénivelé négatif je faisais, le mieux je me portais.

Nous avons donc opté pour la deuxième solution qui de mon point de vue apporte la plus belle vue sur le lac. A moins de vouloir faire trempette, je ne suis pas certaine que la vue depuis les berges du lac apporte quelque chose de plus.

Le lac supérieur est en fait un réservoir artificiel qui alimente une centrale hydroélectrique dans la vallée. 

Le sentier panoramique au dessus du lac offre des points de vue sublime, tant sur le lac en contrebas, que sur les reliefs abruptes et écorchés du Grand Chavalard à ma gauche. Ce décor lunaire n’est pas sans me rappeler les paysages rencontrés dans le massif du Queyras avec un petit quelque chose du col de l’Izoard.

Au milieu des fleurs de montagne et autres gentianes, nous rejoignons rapidement le deuxième lac, naturel cette fois, en peu plus bas. Fin juillet, la chaleur avait commencé son œuvre et certaines partie du lac semblaient déjà bien asséchées. Au milieu des marmottes et des moutons à tête noire, le site n’en n’est pas moins agréable.

Après ce petit interlude fleuri et verdoyant fort bien apprécié en début d’après-midi, le dernière portion de ce tour longe les côteaux sud du Grand Chavalard.  Depuis ce petit sentier étroit à flanc de montagne, le panorama est certes très sympa sur les massif du Mont Blanc et du Grand Combin, mais je t’avoue qu’à ce moment notre quête d’un endroit ombragé était notre priorité. Bien trop de photos plus tard, nous terminons ce magnifique tour du Grand Chavalard là où nous l’avions commencé, forts contents de cette très belle journée et des paysages traversés.

Informations pratiques

Il existe plusieurs points de départ pour cette randonnée. Soit au parking de l’Erié sur les hauteurs du village de Fully, soit au parking du téléphérique de Jorasse sur les hauteurs d’Ovronnaz.

Les deux parkings sont gratuits.

La route menant au parking de l’Erié n’est ouverte que de fin juin à novembre.

La cabane du Fenestral, située au niveau du col du même nom, offre de quoi dormir et se restaurer. Plus d’infos sur le site de la cabane de Fenestral .

Tarifs et horaires du télésiège de Jorasse

Il s’agit d’une randonnée alpine de difficulté moyenne, classé T2 selon la cotation suisse. Aucune difficulté majeure à noter sur le sentier bien balisé. 

Lors de notre randonnée nous avons choisis de passer par la variante du Grand Château afin de nous ajouter un peu de distance et de difficulté, mais il est tout à fait possible de contourner le Grand Château par le sentier normal. Si tu as le temps et la motivation je t’encourage à passer par la variante, vraiment sublime.

Depuis le col de Fenestral il est possible de monter jusqu’à la Dent de Morcles qui culmine à près de 3000m. C’est l’un des plus hauts sommets de la région. Le sentier est difficile (T4), et il faut compter 4h20 de marche (aller-retour).

Le sommet du Grand Chavalard est aussi accessible en 3h (Aller-retour) depuis le parking de l’Erié. Il s’agit là encore d’une randonnée difficile classée T4.

Si tu recherches d’autres randonnées en Valais, je te conseille l’ebook «  31 randonnées dans le Valais romand et le Chablais  » de Fabienne et Benoit du blog Novo-Monde. 

Autres idées de randonnées en Suisse

Epingle-moi sur Pinterest !

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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

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Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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