Chemin brings together mining history and trails on Mont Chemin. The Sentier des Mines leads to historic mine entrances; nearby, options range from summer routes to alpine pastures to marked snowshoe loops in winter. Chemin VS is a locality in the municipalities of Martigny and Val de Bagnes in the canton of Valais. Chemin lies between the Rhône and Dranse valleys. At 1,150 metres above sea level on Mont-Chemin, Chemin-Dessus overlooks Martigny and the Rhône Valley.

Mining history on the Sentier des Mines

The Sentier des mines du Mont Chemin leads to mine entrances from which iron was extracted for fifteen centuries. Lead, silver and fluorite were also mined in the 20th century. The educational trail brings together heritage, nature and geology, and passes through meadows, grazed woodland pastures and mountain forests at mid-altitudes. The same route therefore offers encounters with both mining history and diverse landscapes.

At Col des Planches, at the starting point of the Sentier des Mines, there is a reception and exhibition area. It showcases the natural and mineralogical features of Mont Chemin and the route of the trail. An audio guide for the Sentier des Mines is available via the Izi.TRAVEL app.

Trails and places to eat throughout the year

In summer, routes from the Hôtel Beau-Site lead to the alpine pastures of Biolay, Col des Planches, Tronc and Lin, as well as to various mountain huts serving refreshments. A marked hiking trail runs less than 500 metres from the Buvette d’Alpage du Col des Planches. Visitors can sample cheese, Sérac and various Tommes at the buvette; the products are made daily on the alpine pasture over a wood fire.

In winter, marked snowshoe loops starting at Col des Planches and routes through larch forests are among the excursions around Chemin. Ski tours lead, among other places, to the Crevasse and the Blisiers. The terrain is considered gently sloping and relatively low in avalanche risk.

Climbing and cycling on Mont Chemin

Climbers can choose from at least eight equipped sectors on Mont Chemin, with short routes and multi-pitch routes; climbing is possible year-round. The main climbing sector is accessible on foot from the Hôtel Beau-Site.

The Le Planard mountain bike route passes through Chemin-Dessous and climbs through the forest towards Col des Planches. It is 27 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 1,065 metres. The Col des Planches–Champex–Petite Forclaz road route passes through the villages of Chemin-Dessous and Chemin-Dessus. Another option is the yellow route of TrailZONE Chemin-Dessous: it begins alongside a bisse and passes through varied terrain and trail profiles. TrailZONE Chemin-Dessous offers views across the Rhône plain.

Altitude and overnight stays

Couvert du Planard is a green alpine pasture at an altitude of 1,300 metres on Mont Chemin, below the road between Chemin-Dessus and Col des Planches. For a special overnight stay, ArboCamp offers nature-focused camping in tree accommodation. From the car, the camp is reached after a walk of five to 25 minutes; factor this time into your travel plans.

The cuisine at the Hôtel Beau-Site is also an option for a meal during your stay: it is entirely plant-based and focuses on organic, seasonal and locally sourced products wherever possible. Together with the buvette at Col des Planches, it creates a focus on local food that includes both alpine products and plant-based cuisine.

For the overarching travel guide: Vollèges.