Vionnaz: Marshes, mountain trails and village history

Vionnaz offers a range of ways to explore, from the protected marshland of the Rigoles de Vionnaz and trails through the mountain landscape to winter sports in Torgon and historic sites. For your trip, it is worth organizing your destinations by season and the activities you want to enjoy.

Rigoles de Vionnaz: marshland and wildlife

The Rigoles wetland covers 27 hectares and is currently the largest marsh in the Rhône plain of the Lower Valais. Its core area has been listed in the Federal Inventory of Bogs of National Importance since 1994; the Rigoles have been protected at cantonal level since 1991. Today’s marshland is a remnant of the once 700-hectare marsh landscape that shaped the Lower Valais plain. The increasingly rare marsh geranium still finds refuge here. The Rigoles also serve as a passage and wintering area for the kingfisher.

Along the Rigoles visitor trail, you can observe waterbirds, specialized vegetation, amphibians and dragonflies. A visit therefore offers more than a chance to see just one group of animals: the wetland encompasses different habitats and opportunities for observation. The Rigoles can be reached from Aigle by bus to Vionnaz. Check the timetable details before setting out.

Hiking trails and views

The municipality of Vionnaz has 45.5 kilometers of hiking trails and 11 kilometers of officially designated mountain trails. One specific longer hike is the Sentier des alpages de Vionnaz: this circular route through alpine pastures is 13.49 kilometers long, rated easy and listed as taking about four hours and 30 minutes. It passes through varied landscapes rich in flora and fauna. From the nearby trail, views may open up over Lake Geneva, the Valais and Vaud Alps, the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.

To reach the Sentier des alpages, you can take the train to Aigle and then bus 142 to Torgon and Place de la Jorette. Check the timetable before your trip. The distance and duration make it easier to plan this hike as a block of time in its own right; it should be distinguished from the shorter winter activities around La Jorette.

Winter sports in Torgon

The Torgon ski area in the municipality of Vionnaz has nine ski lifts and 17 pistes. The ski runs start in Plan-de-Croix, which is a five-minute drive from Torgon. Road conditions and shuttle services may vary. For your plans, check the current lift and piste overview, as well as travel conditions.

There are also two seasonal activities around La Jorette. The Torgon Winter Trail is a three-kilometer loop that is groomed during the winter season, depending on snow conditions. A free sledding run for families is also prepared at La Jorette, depending on snow conditions. Both activities therefore depend on the snow; the Winter Trail’s distance does not make it equivalent to a hike lasting several hours.

Culture trail and history

The Musée en pleine air is a cultural trail that can be explored on foot, with 24 information panels spread from the plain up into the mountains. Buildings, places, people and other points of interest tell the older and more recent history of the municipality of Vionnaz. The walk is free and open every day throughout the year. One of the sites along the route is the Eglise de Vionnaz with its old bell tower. The Maison Barberini also offers historical details: the house has a tower, the date 1613 is inscribed on the window lintel and the date 1637 on the door.

A large wall was built to protect the village from flooding. This practical purpose offers a different perspective on local history from the culture trail’s information panels: it tells the story of a structure built to protect the village.

Fish farm and local products

The self-guided visitor trail at the Pisciculture de Vionnaz is an outdoor educational trail with seven explanatory and interactive panels. It is free and open all year round, and is suitable for children and adults. For groups of 20 or more, the Pisciculture offers a presentation at its premises with a tasting of its products, upon prior request.

The alpine pastures also offer different specialties: Alpage Eusin specializes in making goat cheese. Alpage Chétillon has a mountain inn where visitors can sample local specialties. If you would like to include nature, culture, a hike or seasonal activities in your trip, these places offer a range of themes to consider when planning a visit to Vionnaz.

Discover more destinations: Troistorrents, Vouvry, Champéry, Monthey, Saint-Gingolph, Val-D'illiez, Morgins, Port-Valais.

Back to the main travel overview: Monthey.