Hike Bisse du Milieu - Bisse de Vex - ClosedLe départ du Bisse du Milieu se trouve à environ 200 mètres de Nendaz Tourisme. Le canal commence par traverser les hauts du village puis entre dans le Val de Nendaz. Vous passerez ensuite par le hameau du Bleusy où vous pourrez admirer la charmante chapelle. Le bisse continue tranquillement jusqu’à la Printze, en dessous du hameau de Planchouet. En cas de petit creux ou de petite soif, n'hésitez pas à faire un détour gourmand jusqu'à l'un des restaurants du village.
La balade continue de l’autre côté du vallon de la Printse sur le Grand Bisse de Vex, dans le même sens que l’écoulement de l’eau. Le canal longe d’abord la limite inférieure de la forêt puis s’enfonce dans cette dernière sur plusieurs kilomètres. Sur le bisse vous trouverez plusieurs constructions en bois nécessaires au transport de l’eau et qui témoignent de l’énorme travail réalisé autrefois. À la sortie de la forêt vous arriverez dans les prairies sèches au biotope protégé entre Beuson, Clèbes et Verrey. Le canal traverse finalement les hauts de Veysonnaz et vous amène jusqu’à la place de la télécabine, point d’arrivée de ce bel itinéraire.
Une chasse au trésor thématique est également disposée sur tout le tracé du bisse de Veysonnaz à Planchouet afin de de rendre la promenade plus ludique et amusante pour les enfants.Bisse_de_Vex_Planchouet_2013 (Aline_Fournier)Bisse_du_Milieu_marcheurs_vue_village_2014 (Etienne Bornet)Bisse_de_Vex_Planchouet_famille_moulin_2011 (Aline_Fournier)1342.9664306641The resort of Haute-NendazThe tourist venture began at the end of the 1950s with the construction of the first gondola in 1958 and the first hotels. Since then, the resort of Haute-Nendaz has continued to develop.
Today, in winter, snow sports reign. The vast choice of ski runs, more than 400 kilometres in total, allows both beginners and experienced skiers to enjoy the snowy slopes of the 4 Vallées.
During the summer season, the resort is popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Nendaz benefits from an absolutely unique network of bisses (8 of which 6 are still in water). The paths along them, which are relatively flat, shady and traffic-free, are particularly popular places to walk. In July, Nendaz becomes the capital of the Alphorn, thanks in particular to its international festival.Haute-Nendaz station hiver vue aérienne 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Haute-Nendaz Station Hiver 2018 (Etienne Bornet)Haute-Nendaz station_été_vue aérienne_2014 (Matt Wright & Janire Najera)Haute-Nendaz Station Eté 2018 (Sonia Délèze)1344.6564941406Bisse du MilieuTaking its source at 1,460 metres above sea level and dating back to 1700, this 5-kilometre-long bisse is still in use today. It is used to irrigate raspberries and crops in the region of Haute-Nendaz and Basse-Nendaz. From Planchouet, the bisse descends towards the Bleusy, then flows towards the centre of the resort where it becomes a torrent, called the Tsâblo torrent, which in fact feeds the mill of the same name. It then plunges into the valley to join the Printse.
A BISSE, WHAT IS IT ?
The bisses were originally irrigation channels that diverted water from the rivers to water the farm land crops growing on the mountain slopes. They are true historical relics and bear witness to the Valaisans' relentless fight against drought. It is their construction that makes them so special. Indeed, these channels had to adapt to the different terrain and environments encountered along the way, giving rise to impressive workmanship, especially when we imagine what the means of construction were at the time. The bisses of our region take their source from the Printse, a river that flows along our valley. Of the eight bisses located in Nendaz, six still have water flowing within their banks and are still carrying out their original task of irrigation.
WHY ARE THEY WORTH THE DETOUR ?
The charming little Bleusy chapel is on the way. It is one of the mid-mountain chapels built in the 1930s on the site where the cattle is moved up to spring grazing. The parish priest used to come here to celebrate mass, which saved the peasants from having to travel all the way to the church in Basse-Nendaz. This charming little building is worth a visit, summer and winter alike! Indeed, the Bisse du Milieu is maintained in such a way as to be accessible even in winter as far as Le Bleusy.
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
If you are interested in discovering the bisses, kill two birds with one stone and walk two of our bisses by combining this hike with the Bisse Vieux! Indeed, between them, these bisses form a charming loop between Haute-Nendaz and Planchouet.Bisse du Milieu été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse du Milieu table de pique-nique été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse du Milieu été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse du Milieu Été 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Bisse du Milieu Famille Neige Hiver 2012 (Aline Fournier)Bisse du Milieu Famille Neige Hiver 2012 (Aline Fournier)Raquettes Bisse du Milieu Bleusy 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Raquettes Bisse du Milieu vue fond vallée 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Randonnée bisse du Milieu printemps 2023 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Nendaz station panorama printemps 2022 (Lévy Loye)Randonnée bisse du Milieu printemps 2022 (Lévy Loye)1370.1125488281Picnic area on the Bisse du MilieuThe picnic place on the Bisse du Milieu is equipped with a table and benches. It is located between Haute-Nendaz and Le Bleusy, at about thirty minutes on foot from the resort. It's the perfect place to stop for a break before continuing your walk along the bisse.Bisse du Milieu Famille Été 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Place_de_pique_nique_du_bisse_du_Milieu_2017 (Elodie Moos)1406.3577880859Bleusy ChapelWe do not know exactly when the construction of the Bleusy chapel began, but a parish bulletin dated back to 1928 says: "From this year onwards, Monseigneur de Sion forbids Mass, in the present Bleusy chapel. We will have to think about building a new one for next year. "In 1929, the building was rebuilt but it would take many years to finish due to the lack of funds and motivation.
St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus is the patron saint of the place.Chapelle Bleusy été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Chapelle Bleusy hiver 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle Bleusy hiver promeneurs 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle Bleusy Eté 2015 (Etienne Bornet)Chapelle Bleusy arrière 2015 (Maude Gaudin)1514.6994628906PlanchouetThe Planchouet region, populated year-round by only a handful of inhabitants, is the starting point of four bisses: bisse Vieux, bisse de Vex, bisse du Milieu, bisse d'en bas.
You can also discover a gorgeous wooden chapel surrounded by woodland, built in 1930. This chapel still hosts a number of celebrations during the summer.
In Planchouet you can also enjoy excellent food in one of the three restaurants in the vicinity.Planchouet balade bisse été 2015 (Toast Prod)Village Planchouet vue aérienne automne 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Planchouet Hameau 2015 (Arnaud Delhez)Planchouet hiver 2011 (Arnaud Delhez)1519.3968505859Restaurant of PlanchouetIn the heart of Planchouet, not far from the bisses of the region and the ski area, come and discover the Restaurant of Planchouet. With its alpine decor and cosy atmosphere, it is the ideal place to recharge your batteries after a walk or a morning on the slopes.
The establishment offers local and seasonal cuisine. From fondues in winter, game dishes in autumn or salads in summer, let yourself be seduced by an authentic cuisine that places the quality of its produce at the centre of a creative and lavish plate.New Year's Eve Menu (Restaurant de Planchouet)Restaurant de Planchouet été 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant de Planchouet été 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Gîte de Planchouet extérieur été 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant de Planchouet été 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1515.4373779297Auberge-Restaurant Les BissesNestled at 1,510 metres above sea level, the Auberge Les Bisses is ideal for nature lovers, those seeking peace and quiet and those seeking authenticity. Another advantage is its proximity to the ski lifts, which can be reached in just a few minutes by car.
This accommodation can sleep up to eight people. Each room has its own bathroom with shower and wc as well as WiFi.
Breakfast is served in the guesthouse restaurant.Nuit des étoiles repas Les Bisses Planchouet 2019 (Sonia Délèze)Restaurant Les Bisses extérieur hiver 2014 (Les Bisses)Restaurant Les Bisses (Les Bisses)1517.8225097656Planchouet ChapelThe chapel of Planchouet, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, was built by the villagers of the right hand bank of the Printse. In May 1930, work began by cutting down the trees necessary for its construction. The foundations caused problems as the rock had to be mined, but from one Sunday to the next, the building took shape and on 9 August 1931, Dean Bourban blessed the chapel.
After some finishing work, Father Joseph Fournier, the instigator of the project, was able to close the accounts, with a total construction cost of CHF 7,045.
Inside statues of the Virgin Mary, St. Anthony, St. Maurice and St. Nicholas can be admired.
Whether in winter under the snow or in autumn under the colourful larch trees, during one of your walks through Planchouet, take the opportunity to stop at the chapel.Chapelle de Planchouet extérieur été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Chapelle Planchouet hiver 2011 (Arnaud Delhez)Chapelle de Planchouet été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Chapelle de Planchouet été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Chapelle de Planchouet Automne 2018 (Elodie Moos)Chapelle de Planchouet été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)1366.5284423828Bisse de VexThe Bisse de Vex takes its source in the Printse river at 1500 metres above sea level in the picturesque hamlet of Planchouet. Through wooden troughs, underground passages or channels dug into the ground, the water flows peacefully over a distance of 12 kilometres to Les Mayens-de-Sion. It first waters the mid-mountain pastures and then runs through the forest for several kilometres before emerging into the dry meadows above the hamlet of Clèbes. The bisse then passes through the charming village of Veysonnaz and continues through the forest to Les Mayens-de-Sion.
In 1453 the inhabitants of Vex, needing water to irrigate their fields, applied to Nendaz, at that time under the control of the Duke of Savoy, to obtain permission to collect water from the Printse by building a canal to bring it to Vex. An agreement was signed under the condition that the inhabitants of Vex would deliver each year, instead of those of Nendaz, a wooden beam of Larch to the town of Sion for the maintenance of the bridge over the River Rhone. Original documents dating back to 1453 and 1476 are deposited in the archives of both municipalities.
With the decline in farming and the introduction of more modern watering systems, the bisse fell into disuse and was abandoned in 1971. Thanks to the initiative committee for the reconstruction of the Bisse de Vex whose members were from Nendaz, the bisse was put back in water on September 30th 2000. Today it is one of the most beautiful bisses in the Valais and a magnificent family walk.
In winter the bisse is open between Veysonnaz and les Mayens-de-Sion and between Veysonnaz and Verrey, the rest of the path is closed due to the danger of avalanches.Chapelle de Planchouet extérieur été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse de Vex été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse_de_Vex_Planchouet_pont_en_bois_vue_Nendaz_2018 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Bisse_de_Vex_Planchouet_pont_en_bois_luminosité_automne_2017 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Bisse_de_Vex_Planchouet_2013 (Aline_Fournier)Bisse_de_Vex_mayens_de_Sion_enneigé_2021 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Bisse_de_Vex_Mayens_de_Sion_2017 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)1381.9079589844Botza picnic areaThe picnic area, which is located 50 metres from the Veysonnaz gondola departure station, is a very pleasant place for a well deserved break. Situated in the shade of the forest, the temperature is pleasant, especially in summer. The site has four picnic tables (one of which is sheltered), three fireplaces, several benches and a fountain with drinking water. The ground is covered with wood chips. There is a play area for children just below.enfants_course_botza_picnic_abri_table_effet_2021 (LINDAPHOTO.ch)enfants_bassin_botza_vue_alpes_forêt_effet_2021 (LINDAPHOTO.ch)Pique_nique_botza_table_couverte_2018 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)1354.6447753906Hôtel MagrappéThe staff at the Magrappé look forward to welcoming you to this family-friendly hotel.
The hotel offers 17 rooms sleeping two to four guests, mixing authenticity and elegance, decorated in a "traditional chalet" style. All rooms have a balcony, TV, safe and minibar. They offer a pleasant view over the slopes or the Rhone Valley.
The Magrappé is located at the foot of the slopes, just a few metres from the Veysonnaz gondola departure station.Hotel_Magrappé_ext_été_2018 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Hôtel restaurant Magrappé_table ronde avec vache (Hôtel_Magrappé)Hôtel_Magrappé_chambre_2_2018 (Hôtel_Magrappé)Hôtel_magrappé_chambre_2018 (Hôtel_Magrappé)Hôtel_magrappé_extérieur_hiver_2013 (WebEvolutions)1231.1627197266VeysonnazWinter in Veysonnaz: The ski resort is located at the gateway to the largest ski domain in Switzerland, the 4 Vallées. This white wonderland stretches over 400 km of ski slopes of all levels. Snow is guaranteed right down to the foot of the slopes with over 200 artificial snow making devices.
Linking Veysonnaz, Thyon, Nendaz and Verbier via Mont Fort on skis is no longer just a pipe dream, it's a reality at last! Sheer pleasure on a variety of slopes, for example a descent on the legendary Piste de l'Ours, known for its 30 World Cup ski races and always appreciated by competitors, with the Skicross and Snowboard Cross World Cup.
Spring in Veysonnaz: a quieter season for tourists, between the melting snow and the awakening of the surrounding nature. The village lives to the rhythm of the traditional festivals, the farmers bring out their livestock and the schoolchildren are ready to finish their school year, which means a new stage in their lives is about to begin. The beginning of summer is launched at the end of June when the cattle return to the mountain pastures and school closes for the summer holidays.
Summer in Veysonnaz: this little spot of paradise invites you to explore and respect the nature that surrounds you through its various outdoor activities. Getting a little closer to nature means a return to your roots along the many bisses and marked footpaths. Relaxation and self-awareness are also promoted while enjoying our forests.
Mountain bikers can enjoy their favourite sport on a variety of tracks of different levels with the possibility of using the ski lifts for the more demanding uphill sections.
Families are welcome, thanks to our flagship Sun&Fun entertainment and outdoor activities programme, as well as numerous excursions.
Summer is, of course, a time to relax and watch the sunset while enjoying a fun time with friends.
Autumn in Veysonnaz is a time for walks, extraordinary colours and fine food. Brisolée and game specialities are the typical dishes of the season. Often mild summer weather is still present in October, while the tourist world is busy preparing for the approaching winter, as is the local wildlife, which is also getting ready for winter. Everything will be ready, but let's enjoy every last ray of sunshine.
This is how the year passes in this small village in the Valais, through each changing season. Welcome to the village!Eglise_veysonnaz (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Chalet fleuri_Veysonnaz La Golette_été (Aline_Fournier)Poudreuse-jeunes-groupe_Greppon_hiver 2018 (webevolutions)Rando couple_crête de Poé_été (Aline_Fournier)vue_aerienne_veysonnaz_profil_nendaz_été 2011 (Aline_Fournier)Eglise avec fleurs et panorama_Veysonnaz_printemps 2019 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Piste_de_l_ours_aerienne_2012 (Aline_Fournier)1344.57104492191343.82568359381344.11279296881345.71533203121350.24499511721346.83068847661349.76281738281349.69970703121372.61047363281352.70153808591353.37365722661358.99108886721369.57604980471370.17089843751372.74230957031378.62377929691374.20251464841373.64074707031377.77551269531380.07153320311379.94738769531381.66137695311387.85144042971383.07299804691396.75244140621394.47583007811398.21508789061393.82519531251397.21972656251407.31005859381421.17321777341423.33520507811404.63610839841408.16491699221413.63513183591410.50512695311414.20068359381411.31811523441420.22839355471414.69311523441418.34057617191417.23168945311419.79272460941434.66833496091440.60571289061425.69738769531426.42431640621436.31884765621430.81115722661434.87792968751443.60693359381436.23852539061452.77429199221449.04064941411453.79821777341458.07141113281464.36340332031466.43994140621471.54577636721470.22534179691469.57263183591484.26965332031485.58886718751485.621093751482.87011718751477.08691406251479.46997070311470.65014648441478.84387207031465.09643554691473.16906738281466.17944335941467.28601074221460.66723632811447.52343751457.00854492191450.79382324221467.68383789061448.64282226561459.66748046881472.30578613281453.58435058591464.81494140621464.01660156251461.54528808591442.88000488281451.51403808591451.79211425781446.31372070311442.85559082031449.39538574221441.76696777341443.43652343751445.48583984381449.32275390621454.16882324221422.88610839841423.07995605471426.65637207031432.03405761721421.74450683591424.18530273441410.13305664061407.35754394531404.25378417971410.99645996091417.89270019531406.09191894531411.00646972661433.55346679691422.80114746091401.15588378911401.16235351561405.50769042971393.5371093751388.86877441411377.95104980471378.50756835941386.24658203121371.13073730471371.14294433591380.19030761721373.99047851561373.38525390621368.93420410161368.66174316411367.86853027341368.55688476561367.40185546881364.88159179691370.30834960941375.55761718751357.0712890625