Basse-Nendaz can be explored through its village history and distinctive buildings. The village lies on the left bank of the Printse at an altitude of 992 metres and is the school, administrative and parish centre of the municipality of Nendaz. Its main landmarks are the Majorie and the Eglise de Basse-Nendaz, alongside frescoes on barn façades, chapels and paths through the landscape. The view thus extends from medieval village life to a bisse that is still in use today.

Majorie and Eglise de Basse-Nendaz

The Majorie, also known as the Grande Maison, is a distinctive old building in the centre of Basse-Nendaz. Its crenellated roof defines its appearance. The former tower complex of the Basse-Nendaz mayoralty was destroyed in 1475 during the campaign against Savoy and rebuilt in 1505. It was then converted into a fortified residence for the mayor at the time. It included a courtroom and a prison; the building was known as the Majorie.

The Eglise de Basse-Nendaz tells a different story: until around the middle of the 20th century, it was the only church in the parish of Nendaz and served as a gathering place for residents of all the villages. The main renovations took place between 1882 and 1885, giving the building its present form. In 1913, the bell tower was rebuilt and raised. The large white church also contains an original chapel, which now serves as a crypt. It dates back to the late 9th or early 10th century; structural remains were rediscovered during restoration work from 1964 to 1967. At the foot of the church tower is the grave of Charles-Frédéric Brun, known in the region as “the Deserter.” His exact identity remains unknown to this day.

Chapelle St-Sébastien and its tradition

At the exit from Basse-Nendaz towards Fey, the Chapelle St-Sébastien stands on a rocky outcrop above the Rhône Valley. A document from March 1555 mentions a donation of three florins and two altar cloths for the restoration of religious buildings in the region, including this chapel. It is therefore also associated with a specific episode in the region’s religious history.

Since the 1970s, hunting groups from Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Salins have held the Mass for the feast of Saint Sebastian in the chapel every year on 20 January. Sebastian is the patron saint of archers. If you plan your trip around this date, check the current festival programme in advance.

Frescoes on barn façades

Four monumental frescoes adorn barn façades in Basse-Nendaz at Borné Chë and in Haute-Nendaz on Chemin des Bornes. They are by the Swiss artist Antoine Guignard, also known as LPVDA. The works are a reminder to look beyond churches and historic buildings and notice public art when exploring the villages. The two locations are spread across Basse-Nendaz and Haute-Nendaz, bringing a shared artistic theme to their distinct village landscapes.

Hikes and the Bisse du Milieu

One hike with specific figures is “Les Villages”: it is seven kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes, has an elevation gain of 378 metres and is rated 3 out of 5 for difficulty. The approximate duration and elevation gain provide a clear basis for planning. As route details can change, check the latest information on the official route page before setting out.

Another highlight is the Bisse du Milieu, a five-kilometre irrigation channel dating from 1700. It is still in operation and irrigates raspberry fields and other crops in the Haute-Nendaz and Basse-Nendaz area. The water intake is at an altitude of 1,460 metres. The path can be accessed directly from the centre of the resort and is open in both summer and winter. While “Les Villages” is described in terms of its distance, duration, elevation gain and difficulty, the Bisse du Milieu stands out for its agricultural function and year-round accessibility.

This connection between water engineering and hiking extends beyond Basse-Nendaz: there are eight historic Valais bisses in the municipality of Nendaz as a whole, each accompanied by a hiking trail. Those interested in these paths can therefore connect local history with a wider perspective on the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Saclentse, Vétroz, Conthey, Ardon Vs, Chamoson.

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