Statistics
3 - 4
hrs
666
m
666
m
15
max°
Difficulty
FATMAP difficulty grade
Description
A steep climb up one of the side valleys of the Val d'Illiez, just above the resort of Champéry, offers a condensed experience of the exceptional scenic variety of this region. The ascent begins at the evocatively named expanses of Grand Paradis, a couple of kilometres south of the resort centre.
Here our trail leaves the main river of La Vièze to follow a tributary called La Saufla.
The name means "breeze" in local dialect, no doubt after the cooling currents of air that the cascading stream conjures along its course. At Roc Coupé - which translates as "carved rock" - the path traces a dramatic passage hewn into the cliffs.
Eventually the trail reaches one of the river's most picturesque waterfalls at an altitude of 1,494 m.
The path crosses the river just upstream - via a graceful suspension footbridge that opened in 2016. A level stretch of the trail on the far side of the valley leads to a delightful mountain refuge, the Buvette de Bonaveau.
All the dishes are cooked on a wood fire, as this traditional chalet has no electricity.
The views from the terrace - up to the waterfall, the footbridge and the glaciers on the Mont Ruan above - are gorgeous. From here, the path drops steeply through the forest to Grand Paradis.
To get back to the centre of Champéry and the railway station, it's worth following a different route to the outward leg. The resort is full of historical charm, with its wooden chalets and traditional restaurants - plus one of the oldest working bell foundries in the country.
Champéry boasts modern attractions, too - not least the Palladium cultural and sports centre, which features ice rinks for championship curling, skating and ice hockey, plus indoor climbing, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a hotel. *Highlights* # Invigorating climb through lush pastures and fragrant forest * Dramatic rock passages, sparkling waterfalls, idyllic mountain refuge # Champéry's lanes of wooden chalets, full of historical charm 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 "Print" icon, to download) # For certain walks # * Swimwear