The Bisse de Ricard irrigation channel dates back to the 15th century and is still in operation. A walking path runs above the Rhône plain; a trail follows the bisse along its entire route through vineyards and shady meadows to the Rèche, below a waterfall. When looking for a hotel in Chalais Vs, you can compare this focus on hiking with the town’s cultural and natural attractions.
Hiking along the bisse and on themed trails
The Bisse de Ricard combines a historic irrigation channel with a trail that follows its route. The “De Chalais aux chalets” project offers a different perspective: its vertical trail connects Chalais with Crêt du Midi and crosses five vegetation zones. The concept of educational walks was developed in 2014 to highlight the distinctive features of the municipality of Chalais. The trail intersects twelve themed routes, named “... en passant par...”.
Various types of routes are also described. A seven-kilometre circuit follows the educational trails “en passant par Chalais”, “en passant par le Ricard” and “en passant par la Ferme” in succession. The trail connects the villages of Chalais and Réchy, passes through Réchy to the old coal mines, and runs along the banks of the Rèche. To reach the trailhead, take a Sierrois bus or a PostBus from Sierre railway station to the “Chalais Téléphérique” stop. The stated route lengths and trail features help you compare hiking options without assuming a walking time or difficulty level.
Local history and the chapel of Réchy
In the 13th century, Chalais separated from the lordship of Sierre and became a castlanie. It was initially granted as a fief to a family that soon adopted the name of Chalais. Chalais was founded by residents of Vercorin who descended to the plain to grow vines. Five cup-marked stones, also known as cup stones, have also been observed in the municipality of Chalais.
The chapel of Réchy is dedicated to Saint Matthias and was blessed in 1826. Its altarpiece, dating from the same year, is classified as a historic monument of cantonal importance. The chapel also has a Stations of the Cross painted on glass from that period, considered extremely rare in French-speaking Valais. These art-historical details give Réchy’s visitor attractions a distinct focus alongside the hiking trails and the area’s older history.
Leisure, animals and local wines
Espace du Lavioz is a five-minute walk from the village centre. It brings together a refreshment bar, leisure activities, events and play areas. Arche des Crétillons is home to more than 200 animals. Visitors can feed them seeds sold at the refreshment bar; there is also a snack restaurant where you can taste the establishment’s own regional products. The Arche is located in an ecologically diverse area.
There are two ways to access Arche des Crétillons: by vehicle via Briey or along an educational trail from the cable-car station in Chalais. As access arrangements may change, check them before you travel. This lets you plan this activity around the specific access conditions rather than assuming that a route or access option will remain unchanged.
La Pertille was founded in 2023 by Rachel Perret and Véronique Antille, who are from Chalais. Visitors are welcomed there to discover the first wines made by the two women; booking is required. This gives you a range of themes to explore during your stay: hiking trails, the chapel and local history, as well as feeding animals, regional products and wine.
Nature in the Vallon de Réchy
The Vallon de Réchy nature reserve has been listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes, Sites and Natural Monuments (IFP) since 1998 and is classified as an area of national importance. Its features include a waterfall, the meanders of the Ar du Tsan, Lac du Louché and diverse fauna. The area can be explored on foot. The Vallon thus offers a focus on nature that differs from the chapel’s cultural history and the themed hiking trails.
Discover more destinations: Crans-Sur-Sierre, Grône, Sierre, Icogne, Chippis, Vercorin, Ayer, Anniviers
For the overview of the wider region: Sierre.
