The municipality of Trient has 53 kilometres of marked hiking trails. There are also themed paths through hamlets, routes along the Bisse du Trient and excursions towards the glacier. The length of your trip also makes a difference: the Tour de la Vallée du Trient is usually completed in five days, while other trails explore individual natural and cultural themes. So first consider whether you are planning a multi-day tour or selected outings.
Hiking between hamlets, the pass and the glacier
The Sentier des hameaux runs along the slope of Jeurs, passing through a series of hamlets. Along the way, you can learn about the origins of the road, the quarrying of millstones, and the region’s place names and geology. The trail also leads to a bread oven and a chapel dating from 1745. As a museum trail, it also presents the history of the Barberine power station. The various stops make this trail especially interesting for travellers who want to learn about regional history and place names as well as enjoy the landscape while hiking.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is marked with red-and-white GR trail markers; these markers are not used along the roads on the valley floor. Another multi-day option is the Tour de la Vallée du Trient, which is usually completed in five days. The two details answer different planning questions: the first concerns navigation on a particular route, while the second gives the usual timeframe for a tour. Do not automatically assume that five days means five nights.
The Bisse du Trient offers a different focus. Its path begins at Col de la Forclaz and leads to the snout of the Trient Glacier. The Passerelle du bisse de Trient crosses the Trient River; it is about 64 metres long and reaches 13 metres above the valley. It is part of the easy walking route between Col de la Forclaz and the Trient Glacier. In the past, the bisse was used to transport blocks of ice down to the valley; today, it irrigates meadows and vineyards in Martigny-Combe.
Glaciers, gorges and winter activities
The accumulation zone of the Trient Glacier lies on the Plateau du Trient at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,200 metres; the ice there is 100 to 150 metres thick. It is bounded by Aiguille du Tour to the west, Aiguilles Dorées to the south and Pointe d’Orny to the east. These high elevations and landscape features contrast sharply with the cultural and historical trails in the valley.
The season matters when planning a visit to the Gorges mystérieuses de Tête-Noire: the gorges are officially open from June to October. The circular route includes four wooden ladders and 120 metres of walkways. Check the current access conditions before travelling, and take the ladders and walkways into account when planning your visit.
In winter, more than 50 recorded ice-climbing routes are spread across six climbing areas in Trient. From December onwards, conditions can be good when weather permits; December to February is considered the ideal period. Ice conditions depend on the weather. The municipality also has ski touring routes such as La Tour Ronde and Carraye, where conditions likewise depend on the snow and mountain conditions.
In the village of Trient, the Jardin des Neiges offers age-appropriate first experiences on snow and gliding in a safe, playful setting. Facilities include a mini ski lift and a two-kilometre sledging run. As this is a seasonal offer, confirm its current winter opening before your trip.
Plan your cycling route and arrival
The Mountainbike-Parcours dans la vallée du Trient passes through Trient, continues to Col de la Forclaz and then returns to Vernayaz. It is rated difficult and is 52.42 kilometres long. Check current route conditions before setting off. This is different from the Tour du Mont-Blanc Vélo stage from Vallorcine to Champex-Lac, which passes through the village of Trient. The starting point for this stage in Vallorcine can be reached by Mont-Blanc-Express from Martigny or Chamonix; check the timetable before travelling.
Trient lies on the road to Col de la Forclaz, between Chamonix and Martigny. If you are heading to the pass as your starting point, you can travel from Martigny by train and then by bus. This connection is for Col de la Forclaz; do not confuse it with the journey to the starting point in Vallorcine.
Culture and views
The fortifications at Col de la Forclaz offer a viewpoint over the valley and the village of Trient. Trient’s raspberry-pink church is also worth discovering. Weather permitting, Fort Litroz can be visited from mid-April to October by prior reservation. Plan your visit around the season and the reservation requirement.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Forclaz, Martigny-Combe, Saillon, Arbarey, Isérables, Riddes, Leytron, Fully.
Return to the main travel overview: Martigny.
