La Fouly lies at an altitude of 1,592 metres at the end of the Val Ferret. The village in the municipality of Orsières in the canton of Valais combines signposted hiking trails and winter sports with a history shaped by summer transhumance. If you’re looking for a mountain destination with a variety of routes, local discoveries and alpine traditions, you’ll find plenty to explore here.
At the Foot of the Mont Blanc Massif
La Fouly lies at the foot of Mont Dolent and Tour Noir in the Mont Blanc massif, near the tripoint of France, Italy and Switzerland. Its location at the end of the Val Ferret offers a clear point of reference to the mountains and the valley. The village is also home to a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas of FlĂĽe.
Long-Distance Routes and Local Trails
La Fouly is a stage on the Tour du Mont-Blanc. The route passes through France, Italy and Switzerland and through seven valleys surrounded by more than 400 snow-covered peaks. La Fouly is also a stage on the Grand Tour des Combins. From here, hiking trails head south over the Petit Col Ferret and the Grand Col Ferret towards Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley. If you’re planning one of these routes, check local trail conditions before your trip.
The Charlotte la Marmotte educational trail offers another way to explore the area. It explores the history of La Fouly, natural attractions and wildlife, with questions, games and observation activities along the way. On the treasure hunt in La Fouly, participants use a village map to answer ten questions and uncover a final code. The adventure begins at the La Fouly tourist office. Check locally for operating details and availability of these activities.
Winter Sports and Mountain Biking
A small winter sports area lies east of and above the village, with one chairlift and two drag lifts. The ski area offers lessons for all levels. The Arpalle lifts provide access to three groomed and monitored freeride routes. For cross-country skiing, a ten-kilometre trail connects the northern and southern sides of the resort with the A-Neuve plateau. Before your trip, check local winter conditions and trail grooming, as well as information on lessons, operations and the seasonally changing lift and route configuration.
A mountain bike route is also signposted: easy Route No. 192 circles La Fouly and passes through the small hamlet of AmĂ´naz. As route conditions can vary, check local cycling information before setting off.
Alpine Traditions and Regional Products
Historically, La Fouly was a mayen belonging to the municipality of Orsières, associated with summer transhumance to the Alpine pastures of the Val Ferret. The stone chalets provided accommodation for the shepherds, while the barns were used to store hay. Another alpine tradition is the Désalpe de La Fouly, when a procession of decorated herds passes through the village streets.
At the Alpage des Ars, visitors can sample dairy products made with milk from the mountain pastures in a traditional refreshment room. These include cheese, butter, SĂ©rac, yoghurt and fondue mixes. The Alpage is also the starting point for several hiking trails. Food offerings are seasonal, so check the latest opening information before visiting.
Getting There and Travel Information
By public transport, take the train from Martigny to Sembrancher and then to Orsières; from there, continue by bus to La Fouly. Check the latest timetables before setting off. The access road has been cleared of snow in winter since 1965; since then, La Fouly has been inhabited year-round. If a particular activity is the main reason for your trip, consider its seasonal conditions and current operating information when choosing your dates.
Discover more destinations: Fionnay, Bagnes, Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Champex, Le Châble, Liddes, Sarreyer, Vollèges
For the overview of the wider region: Entremont.
