Mase sits on a prominent hillside halfway up the eastern side of the valley and has a distinctly rural character. The historic settlement is laid out in successive layers running parallel to the contour lines. It includes houses and outbuildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The historic character of the village is defined not only by individual buildings but also by its layout.
Together with Nax and Vernamiège, Mase lies in the heart of Valais; as a group, the villages sit at an altitude of about 1,300 metres and are around 20 minutes from Sion. This shared setting is distinct from the history of the village itself: the historic buildings, paths and sights described below are in Mase.
Church and Chapel in Mase
The Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was built in 1910; a new nave was consecrated in 1988. The Chapelle du Prélet represents a different period: dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it was consecrated in 1687. Its most important furnishing is a small Baroque altar in the style of the late 17th century. Together, the church and chapel offer two specific stops for anyone interested in the religious architecture and local history.
A Way of the Cross starts at the lower end of the road to the Mayens de Mase and leads to the Chapelle du Prélet. If you plan to follow it, check local access information.
Bisse de Tsa-Crêta: Irrigation and Mill
The Bisse de Tsa-Crêta dates from before 1400 and was restored and refilled with water in 2002. Its water once again irrigates the meadows and powers an old mill in Mase with a horizontal waterwheel. The bisse’s history is thus connected to its role in shaping the cultural landscape and to a surviving technical detail. The path to the mayens of Tsa Crêta also takes you into a landscape where the bisse is more than just a historical subject.
Hiking Trails of Different Lengths
A marked trail leads from the village of Mase to the mayens of Tsa Crêta at 1,600 metres, then continues to the Mayens des Praz. Conditions may vary by season; check them before setting out. A longer option is a 15-kilometre nature trail connecting Nax, Vernamiège, Mase and Saint-Martin. The trail guide covers flora, fauna and bisses, including the construction techniques used for the bisses of Saint-Martin and Tsa Crêta. For planning purposes, the distinction is clear: the marked trail leads from the village to the mayens, while the nature trail connects four villages.
Alpage de Mase: Wildlife and Seasonal Treats
Visitors to the Alpage de Mase can observe alpine wildlife, including marmots, chamois, deer, eagles and bearded vultures. The season starts as soon as weather conditions allow; the alpage usually opens in late May or early June and stays open until the first snow, usually until mid- or late October. Before travelling, check whether your visit falls within the season.
The alpage offers tastings of its own products: raclette cheese, tommes, sérac, butter and cream. This is a way to combine nature with regional produce. Tastings are a seasonal offering at the alpage.
Nuit du Conte and Village Life
Around mid-July, Mase hosts the Nuit du Conte. Storytellers perform throughout the village; the event ends with drinks, soup and cake shared by the whole village. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for your intended visit. This lets you schedule a cultural highlight independently of a visit to the alpage, which is open depending on the weather.
Discover more destinations: Vernamiège, Les Masses, Evolène, Les Agettes, Eison, Nax, Saint-Martin Vs, Evolène
For the broader travel overview: Ering.
