Chemin du vignoble, Stage 4/4

A quarter of Pinot Noir production in Valais comes from the region around Leuk, Varen and Salgesch. As well as good wine and beautiful medieval villages, this leg is also a highlight for nature lovers. It leads through the vast Pfyn-Finges nature park and across the river Raspille, the language border between French-speaking Lower Valais and German-speaking Upper Valais.

The approximately 13-kilometre hike begins near the Venthône, village bus stop. At the church of St-Sébastien, the trail leaves the village and continues through open meadows and loosely built-up areas to Miège. There, the route passes the church before climbing further.

After around five kilometres, the highest point is reached at just over 830 metres. From here, gentle descents alternate with short uphill sections. Open terrain defines the landscape, interspersed with stretches of woodland that provide variety. The broad hiking trail eventually leads to Varen. A short section away from the marked hiking trail network then follows before the route rejoins a hiking trail.

In Leuk, the trail passes directly by the castle. It then descends to Susten and continues through the built-up area to Leuk railway station. The tour takes just under four hours and involves around 400 metres of ascent and just under 600 metres of descent.