Chemin des Bisses, Stage 5/7

The high-altitude hike above the Rhone Valley from St. Martin to Nax initially runs through different Valais villages. The path leads along the Bisse St-Martin and Bisse Tsa Crêta, and through forest areas to the Lac de Vernamiège. This stage ends in Nax, a charming village with traditional panache.

From the St-Martin VS, centre bus stop, the waymarked hiking trail leads out of the village and uphill via Suen. Woodland and open meadows soon dominate the scenery. The steady ascent accounts for most of the approximately 740 metres of elevation gain.

Around halfway along the route, it reaches its highest point at approximately 1,770 m. Shortly afterwards, it follows the Bisse de Tsa Crêta for just over two kilometres. The watercourse accompanies the trail through alternating woodland and open terrain, giving this middle section its distinctive character.

The long descent to Nax then begins. Along the way, the la pierre aux enfants rest area, with its fountain, offers a final opportunity for a break. Towards the end, the woodland gives way to the first houses of the village. After approximately 16 kilometres and just over five hours, the hike ends in the centre of Nax, only a few steps from the bus stop of the same name.