Vouvry: Discover mountains, nature and culture

Vouvry offers a range of ways to enjoy a trip focused on nature, hiking and cultural history. The municipality includes part of the Rhône plain, a side valley crossed by the Le Fossau stream, and the mountains bordering it to the west. Lac de Taney, the Porte du Scex and the town’s historic landmarks each add their own character. If you are looking for a hotel in Vouvry, you can first decide whether mountain scenery, a hike or cultural discoveries should be the focus of your stay.

Lac de Taney and the mountain landscape

Lac de Taney lies at an altitude of 1,500 metres above the Rhône Valley. It is known for the many amphibians that spawn there. Around the lake, rhododendrons, two-flowered yellow violets, narrow-leaved willowherb, Turk’s cap lilies and monkshood form a colourful carpet of flowers. The flowering period varies by season, giving the plant life its own seasonal character. Traces of a settlement dating back 35,000 years were found beneath a rock overhang at Tanay.

Hiking and getting there

The Chemin du Lac de Taney leads from the lake over the Col de Taney and through the forests above the Rhône Valley, returning to Le Flon near Miex. To get to the starting point of the hike, take the regional train to Vouvry and then the bus to Miex. Check the current timetables before setting off.

Access to Lac de Taney is prohibited for private vehicles. To get to Miex, it is advisable to park your car in Vouvry and take the bus: the road to Miex is very narrow and winding, and there are only a few parking spaces there. As parking arrangements may change, check them before your journey. Three farms in Taney offer food and overnight accommodation; their services may be seasonal.

Another hiking route crosses the Col de Verne to La Chapelle d’Abondance in France. The pass lies at the far western edge of Vouvry, near the French border, and is 1,814 metres high. The two routes described here therefore also have different destinations: the Chemin du Lac de Taney returns to Le Flon near Miex, while the crossing of the Col de Verne leads to France.

Culture and history

The Porte du Scex forms a narrow passage between the foot of a mountain ridge and the Rhône. The castle there once served as a customs post and now hosts cultural exhibitions. Check access to the exhibitions before your trip. Vouvry’s cultural commission also offers a changing programme of art exhibitions, concerts, conferences and performances. Find out about the current cultural programme before your trip.

The area’s history goes back further: in 1018, the parish of Vouvry came into the possession of Saint-Maurice Abbey. A new church in Vouvry was built between 1819 and 1822 in a style that imitates Italian Baroque churches. The church’s octagonal spire dates from around 1440 and is the work of Falco Gallien. The organ was made by Jean-Baptiste Carlen between 1822 and 1831; it is one of the largest historic instruments in Valais and is of national importance.

Another cultural site is the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Neiges. Many people stop there to meditate after a long hike or a strenuous climb. Ask locally about access and religious services.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Monthey.