Grône: Pouta Fontana, Bisses and Historic Trails

Grône is a municipality in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Together with the hamlets of Loye, Erdesson and Itravers, it lies between the Rhône plain and the mountains and forms the gateway to the Vallon de Réchy. Nature reserves, hiking trails and evidence of the region’s irrigation history offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Nature in Pouta Fontana and the Vallon de Réchy

The Pouta Fontana nature reserve lies between Grône and Granges. It preserves the wetland vegetation and characteristic wildlife of the former Rhône plain and is considered the most important aquatic nature reserve in the canton of Valais. Its landscapes include bodies of water bordered by reed beds, canals, marshes and riverside woodland.

About 190 bird species have been observed in Pouta Fontana. Around 54 species breed there, and more than 150 migratory birds stop there in both spring and autumn. An observation station and educational panels complement the marked trails that pass through the marshland. Near the reserve, Lac de la Corne has a recreational area with a beach, toilets and a car park.

The protected Vallon de Réchy is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Its landscape features include a waterfall, the meanders of the Ar du Tsan, Lac du Louché and clear waters in its pools. The valley offers numerous hiking opportunities and views of the Alpine landscape.

Compare hikes and trails

The Chemin des Cerfs runs from Bouzerou to l'Ar du Tsan and takes about three hours. This nature trail invites you to observe the landscape and take in the natural surroundings. Actual walking times may vary depending on conditions. Its approximate duration makes it easy to distinguish this hike from the many hiking opportunities in the Vallon de Réchy.

To reach Pouta Fontana, take the Sion–Sierre bus from Sion or Sierre railway station to the Grône stop; from there, it is about a 15-minute walk. Check local transport conditions before departure.

Historic bisses and buildings

The Bisse de Grône has existed for more than 620 years; the oldest document attesting to the existence of these irrigation channels dates from 1398. Part of the bisse is still in use: a short section runs above ground, while the rest is canalised. The Bisse de Grône–Itravers trail traces the history of the oldest Bisse de Grône and offers historic points of interest.

Château Morestel is also part of the area’s history. Pierre III de la Tour, known as “Morestel”, built the feudal castle between 1245 and 1250. It is listed as a Category B cultural property in the 2024 Valais cantonal inventory of cultural property.

In Loye, the hydraulic sawmill dates from 1861 and was renovated in the 1990s. Demonstrations are held there, with an experienced sawyer showing how the saw works. Group demonstrations are organised during the warmer months, from May to October; check the dates before your visit.

Explore by bike

Grône has a Velospot bike-sharing network covering twelve municipalities in Agglo Valais Central. The network consists of 60 stations and 250 bikes, including e-bikes. In Grône, stations are located at Place du Nézôt on Rue Centrale, next to the municipal offices; at the Eco-point in the school car park on Rue Centrale; and in the Dérotchia car park on Rue Centrale, in the Loos area.

The Pouta Fontana–Pramagnon route follows the Rhône cycle route and passes an observation station for migratory birds. It crosses a metal bridge to the vineyard trail and continues to the hamlet of Pramagnon. Two roads also lead from the upper plateau of Grône: one via Nax to the Val d'Hérens, and the other via Vercorin to the Val d'Anniviers. Road conditions can change with the seasons, so check them before setting out.

More to know

The indoor swimming pool in Grône opened in 1978. Its semi-Olympic pool is 25 metres long and 12 metres wide. Alongside the nature and cultural attractions, these measurements provide a useful reference for this indoor pool.

Discover more destinations: Crans-Sur-Sierre, Sierre, Chippis, Veyras, Venthône, Saint-Jean Vs, Chalais Vs, Saint-Luc Vs.

For the overview of the wider area: Siders.