Discover Fully from several perspectives: on trails through an important nature reserve, by exploring viticulture and at the municipality’s cultural sites. Les Follatères covers 5 km², extending from the valley floor at 450 metres to elevations of 1,800 metres. The nature reserve is of national importance; more than 200 plant species of Mediterranean or eastern origin grow along its dry, sunny trails. Hikes also offer views of the Rhône Valley.
Hiking in Les Follatères and the Chestnut Forest
The Les Follatères nature trail passes through dry steppes and oak groves with a Mediterranean character, set amid the Alps, and focuses on the region’s flora and fauna. At 11.1 kilometres, it is designated as a full-day route. Trails in the Mont-Rosel–Les Follatères nature reserve also pass through vineyards, oak and pine forests, a rocky steppe and a dry meadow. For this hike, there are regular train connections to Martigny, followed by a bus to Dorénaz; buses from the endpoint run to Martigny or Sion.
A much shorter route is the Sentier didactique de la Châtaigneraie above the village of Fully: it is 1.26 kilometres long and suitable for families. Fourteen information panels explain the history and characteristics of the chestnut tree and its forest. The nature trail is considered unique in Valais. There are therefore routes of different lengths and with different themes to choose from, without needing to infer a walking time from the stated distance.
Vineyard Landscapes and Themed Trails
The Sentier des vignes et des guérites connects the chestnut groves of Branson and Vers-l’Église and offers views of the Rhône plain. Information panels explain how the vine develops over the course of the year and highlight the special features of Fully’s wine-growing area. On a guided walk through the vineyard landscape, you’ll discover terraced vineyards in the Combe d’Enfer and Plamont areas; the local flora and geology are also covered.
Mountain Biking and the GeoTour
The Fully Bike Park is an outdoor mountain bike park for all skill levels. The park features several difficulty levels, jumps of different sizes, balance modules and banked turns. The park can be reached from Martigny by car or public transport. The Jeur-Brûlée mountain bike route offers a different perspective: it leads to the highest hamlet in the municipality of Fully, at 1,525 metres, crosses Les Follatères and offers views of the Rhône plain and surrounding peaks.
On the Explore Fully GeoTour, the route from Beudon to Branson follows 20 geocaches along the slopes of the municipality and past important tourist and historical attractions. Allow about 8 kilometres and a full day for the complete tour. It can also be completed in several stages and in any order.
Museum, Wine and Geological Features
The Musée de Fully is located in the Belle Usine and showcases alpine know-how and the history of hydropower in Valais. Its historical narrative traces a journey from alpine traditions and the first turbines to the rise of hydropower. For self-guided public visits, the museum is open every Wednesday from 2 to 5 pm; check the opening hours before your visit. Guided group visits can be arranged on request with advance booking through the Office du Tourisme de Fully.
The Maison de la Petite Arvine brings wine and local history together: it has a wine shop offering wines from Fully, regional products, a workshop area and light meals featuring local specialities. A fresco by Pierre Faval depicts the history of viticulture in Fully. The Fol’terres wooden pavilion offers wines and local products from 100 wine-growing businesses and 40 producers.
The Portail de Fully is another geological highlight: this natural arch was formed by erosion and consists of dolomite rock, which formed in shallow, very warm waters. From L’Erié, you can reach it via the Col de la Blè: after crossing the pass, descend into the scree field and then follow the signpost. Conditions on the mountain approach can vary by season; check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Trient Vs, Arbarey, Martigny, Riddes, Martigny-Combe, Isérables, Leytron, Saillon.
For the overview of the wider area: Martigny.
