Saclentse: Bisses, trails and village history

Saclentse lies at an altitude of 1,203 metres, directly above the Printse on its left bank. Specific local features include two irrigation channels, several trails and the village chapel. They represent different aspects of a stay: the course of water and its use in agriculture, paths through old villages, and architectural and local history.

Bisse de Salins and Bisse d’en Bas

The Bisse de Salins dates back to before 1436. At Saclentse, it draws water from the Printse at an altitude of 1,175 metres and carries it to Salins and above Maragnenaz. Today, the bisse is partly channelled and continues to irrigate farmland.

The Bisse d’en Bas begins in lower Planchouet and reaches Saclentse. Near the village, it is the lowest bisse on the left bank of the Printse. It is still in operation, irrigating meadows and raspberry and strawberry crops in Basse-Nendaz and Saclentse. Its exact year of construction is unknown; it was probably built before 1753.

Walks, hikes and road cycling

The Bisse d’en Bas, which lies close to the village and sees very little traffic, offers the chance to enjoy a peaceful walk. The path has a few uneven sections among rocks and roots. Both details are useful for planning, but in different ways: the low traffic makes for a peaceful walk, while the mention of rocks and roots relates to the terrain.

If you are looking for a circular route through several places, «Sur les pas du Déserteur» passes through Haute-Nendaz, Basse-Nendaz and Saclentse and is accessible year-round; local conditions may affect whether it can be walked. Another hike, Bisse du Milieu–Bisse d’en Bas, leads as far as Saclentse. From there, you can reach the resort by road by following the «Haute-Nendaz» signs. The two routes can be distinguished as follows: the circular route passes through three villages; the Bisse du Milieu–Bisse d’en Bas hike leads to Saclentse, from where the resort can be reached by road.

The road cycling route from Aproz via Fey and Basse-Nendaz follows a quiet stretch to Saclentse.

Chapel and village history

The chapel of Saclentse was consecrated in 1922 and is dedicated to Saint Joseph. The construction project was initiated by Father Joseph Fournier. A bell that had been installed in the bell tower of Basse-Nendaz before 1794 is now in the bell tower of Saclentse.

A story is also told on the Chemin des sculptures in Nendaz, featuring a girl with an intellectual disability and a white lamb in Saclentse.

Location and village restaurant

The distance from the resort is also worth considering when choosing a location: Saclentse is a few minutes’ drive from the resort’s facilities and ski lifts.

Le Sapin Blanc is described as the village’s only restaurant. All its dishes are homemade and prepared on site using raw ingredients and traditional products.

For an overview of the wider area: Nendaz.