Flanthey lies above the Rhône Valley and is a sprawling, terraced wine-growing village. It also includes Chelin and the hamlets of St-Clément, Condémines, Vaas and Valençon. The vineyard area extends across Flanthey and the surrounding area; it is irrigated mainly by two old bisses, known in French as “bisses”. This brings wine-growing, waterways and the history of the individual hamlets together in a compact village setting.
Explore vineyards and bisses on foot
The hike along the Bisse de Sillonin starts in Chelin. The bisse was built in the 1450s. Take note of the elevation warning when planning: part of the route is very exposed and is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. Check the route information before setting out. Another described hike, “The Four Bisses of the Sun”, follows the Bisse du Sillonin to Flanthey.
The Grand Bisse de Lens is a different bisse with its own route: it lies about 200 metres higher and runs from the hinterland of Icogne around the Châtelard, above Saint-Léonard, Chelin and Flanthey, as far as Chermignon. If you want to compare the routes, you can take into account two specific differences: the route described for each and the approximate difference in elevation.
There is also an interactive treasure hunt along the Bisse du Sillonin. The questions cover water, bisses, vineyards and wine, along with some simple logic puzzles. This format combines the walk with activities on topics that also shape Flanthey’s wine landscape and water engineering. Check the latest booking details before your trip.
Cornalin and architectural history in Vaas
The Château de Vaas is a 16th-century building with listed wall paintings. Its permanent exhibition is dedicated to Cornalin, one of the oldest grape varieties in the canton of Valais. At the museum, you can taste Cornalin and wines from local producers. It is located at Chemin du Tsaretton 46, 3978 Flanthey. Check the exhibition details and access information before your visit; you should also confirm tasting arrangements in advance.
The architectural history of the hamlet of Vaas can also be seen in a former inn: it was built for Antoine Gilloz in 1565. Its façades are painted with scenes of hunting and farming, as well as an inscription in French dialect. The cultural trail through the hamlets of Flanthey places buildings like these in a broader context. It highlights the natural surroundings and the history of the hamlets, combining architectural exploration with picturesque landscapes.
Wine experiences with different focuses
Flanthey has twelve wine cellars. Check before your trip whether visits to a cellar are possible. The “Walk along a Bisse & Wine Tasting” tour starts in Flanthey and passes through the vineyards along the Bisse du Sillonin. It optionally includes a visit to a wine cellar with a tasting of three white wines and three red wines, accompanied by explanations from the winemaker. Check booking and tour details in advance.
The experiences have different focuses: the cultural trail links buildings and landscapes, the treasure hunt involves questions and logic puzzles, and the wine tour optionally adds a tasting to the walk along the bisse. The Château de Vaas, in turn, combines the history of a historic building with Cornalin and local wines. These differences can help you choose how to spend your time in Flanthey without combining the individual experiences into a fixed shared programme.
For the broader travel overview: Lens.
