Vionnaz offers clear distinctions to help plan your trip: the Rigoles de Vionnaz combine wetlands with rare plant life and birdwatching; a cultural trail explores local history on foot. Hiking trails and winter activities in Torgon add to the options, although some winter routes depend on snow conditions.
Wetlands and biodiversity
The Rigoles de Vionnaz comprise a 27-hectare wetland and are currently the largest marsh in the Rhône plain of Lower Valais. They have been protected at cantonal level since 1991; their core area has been listed in the Federal Inventory of Bogs of National Importance since 1994. Today’s marsh is a remnant of the wetland landscape that once covered 700 hectares of the Rhône plain in Lower Valais.
The now-rare marsh geranium still finds a refuge here. The Rigoles serve as a passage and wintering area for the kingfisher. Along the visitor trail, you can observe waterbirds, specialized vegetation, amphibians and dragonflies. The Rigoles are accessible by bus from Aigle to Vionnaz; check the connections before you travel.
Visitor trail at the Pisciculture
At the Pisciculture de Vionnaz, a self-guided visitor trail leads outdoors. The Parcours visiteur is an educational trail with seven explanatory and interactive panels. It is free, open year-round and suitable for children and adults. This allows you to plan your visit independently.
For groups of 20 or more, the Pisciculture offers a presentation at its premises, with a tasting of its products. If you would like to include this group offer in your plans, it is best to request it in advance.
Cultural trail and local history
The Musée en pleine air is a cultural trail that can be explored on foot. Its 24 panels are spread throughout the Vionnaz area, from the plain to the mountains. Buildings, places, people and other points of interest tell the older and more recent history of the municipality. The route is free and open every day all year round. One of its stops is the Eglise de Vionnaz, with its old bell tower.
Another historic landmark is the Maison Barberini, a house with a tower. The date 1613 is inscribed on the lintel above the window, and the date 1637 above the door. Local history also includes a large wall built to protect the village from flooding. The Chapelle de Recon is a surviving example of the 600 chapels built in Valais between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 18th century.
Hiking and mountain scenery
The municipality of Vionnaz has 45.5 kilometres of hiking trails and 11 kilometres of officially designated mountain trails. One specific longer route is the Sentier des alpages de Vionnaz: this easy circular trail crosses alpine pastures, is 13.49 kilometres long and takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The landscape is varied, with diverse fauna and flora. The route may offer views of Lake Geneva, the Valais and Vaud Alps, the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.
To reach the start of this hike, take the train to Aigle, then bus 142 to Torgon and Place de la Jorette. Check connections before setting off. From the Tour de Don, the view stretches across mountain forests and alpine meadows.
Winter activities and regional specialties
The Torgon ski area in the municipality of Vionnaz has 9 ski lifts and 17 runs. Individual lifts and runs may change over time, so check the latest information before your ski day. The ski runs start in Plan-de-Croix, a five-minute drive from Torgon. Take road conditions into account when driving.
The Torgon Winter Trail is a 3-kilometre circular route around La Jorette, which is groomed during the winter season depending on snow conditions. A free sledding run for families is also groomed at La Jorette, depending on snow conditions.
Regional products offer another range of experiences: Alpage Eusin specializes in making goat’s cheese. Alpage Chétillon has a mountain inn where you can sample regional specialties.
Discover more destinations: Port-Valais, Monthey, Vouvry, Torgon, Troistorrents, Saint-Gingolph, Val-D'illiez, Morgins.
Return to the main travel overview: Monthey.
