At the confluence of the Borgne de Ferpècle and the Borgne d’Arolla, Les Haudères lies on the valley floor of the upper Val d’Hérens, surrounded by pastures. The historic settlement is densely built and arranged hierarchically along the transport routes; it is one of Switzerland’s protected historic sites. Les Haudères offers views of the Dent-Blanche. Alpine pastures and fragrant forests surround the historic village cluster of Les Haudères, adding to the impression of the village in its landscape.
Village History and Geology
The former school houses a permanent geological exhibition about the region. Panels and videos cover topics including the use of soapstone, the development of glaciers and how they shaped the landscape. Check the opening arrangements before your visit. The geology programme also includes several walking excursions, some of which are signposted. Route descriptions are available from the Evolène tourist office or the House of Geology in Les Haudères. Check in advance where the descriptions are currently available.
In the surrounding area are Les Foches, home to the oldest known settlement houses in the village; one chalet there dates from 1565. The Chapelle des Haudères displays paintings by François de Ribaupierre. The Hérens Aréna is also part of the local cultural history: it was built for the municipality’s cow fights.
Walking Trails and Excursions
The Chemin des villages d’Evolène passes through the historic villages of the upper Val d’Hérens, including Les Haudères. Along the way, it climbs from the valley floor to the sunny terraces of La Sage and Villaz, which lie about 300 metres higher. A separate footpath connects Evolène and Les Haudères. For a walk with a clearly defined destination, consider the route to La Gouille: it follows a small mountain road for 3.5 kilometres, with a steady incline, and passes the Chapelle St-Barthélémy at an altitude of 1,823 metres. The walk takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and returns along the same route. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Excursion E can be undertaken from Les Haudères by PostBus, bicycle or car; some sections may need to be covered on foot. Another option is the hike “À la découverte du Vallon de Ferpècle depuis Les Haudères”, which leads from Les Haudères into the Vallon de Ferpècle. Plan this route according to current trail conditions. Seasonal bus access for a hike into the Vallon de Ferpècle may also be relevant; check the connection and the dates that apply to your travel year.
Winter Trails and Cycling
There are two cross-country skiing options with different descriptions: the night trail in Les Haudères is an approximately 2-kilometre loop lit by solar-powered lamps, between the Molignon campsite and the Hérens Aréna. The Evolène–Les Haudères Nordic sector offers a 20.5-kilometre trail. The length and location provide a first indication for choosing between them; both options are seasonal, so check operating conditions for your travel dates.
A natural ice rink is set up at the Nordic Aréna for the winter season. You can skate or play ice hockey there; check operating dates and access for the relevant season. The VTT/E-VTT route from Les Haudères to Ferpècle starts in Les Haudères. It is possible to take the bus back from Ferpècle. Check the timetable and whether bicycles can be carried in advance.
Summer Culture and Regional Products
The Festival Classique des Haudères organises a summer concert season at the Chapelle des Haudères. If you are planning to attend, check the concert dates for your travel period. At the summer arts and crafts market, traders, craftspeople and farmers wear traditional Valais costumes; it is also worth checking the dates for your travel year.
Regional products such as Raclette des Haudères, Tomme d’Evolène and Tomme des Haudères are available at the Centrale dairy in Les Haudères. If you are looking for a particular product, check availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Arolla.
Go to the main travel overview: Evolène.
