Trail running course la CombireThe departure of the trail is located at the entrance of Siviez on the left. Take the path that crosses the Printse, a river who takes its source from the top end of the valley above the Cleuson dam. After the bridge, turn left towards Planchouet. This first descent will lead you down through Larch and Fir trees to a clearing from where you can see the village of Planchouet.
Once you arrive on the tarmac road, follow the Nendaz Trail signs 'petit parcours'. After a few meters, you pass two restaurants and the chapel of Planchouet. Turn right uphill on to a narrow road just after the chapel. At the top of the incline, take the road branching off to the left and follow it to the end. Then follow the small path in the grass that leads into the forest. Once out of the forest, head towards La Meina and then Novelli. You should then pass the restaurant Les Chottes.
From the Combatseline mountain restaurant, take the ancient bisse de Chervé to the Cleuson dam and its turquoise waters. When you reach the dam, cross the wall, then take the small steep path on the right that zigzags down below the dam.
Then follow the hiking signposts back to Siviez.Trail Tortin barrage 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Trail_chaussure_été_2020 (Etienne Bornet)Trail Stéphane Aymon Chervé 2019 (Elodie Moos)Trail Stéphane Aymon Bisse de Chervé 2019 (Elodie Moos)1732.3540039062SiviezSiviez provides access to the areas of Veysonnaz and Thyon on the one hand, and to Verbier and the Bagnes valley as well as to Nendaz and Isérables on the other. It is also the starting point to reach Mont-Fort, a summit that is easily accessible throughout the summer and the winter thanks to the ski lifts
At the far end of the valley stands the Cleuson dam wall, built between 1947 and 1950. 410 metres long at the top and 87 metres high, it can hold up to 20 million m3 of water.
In winter, more than 400 kilometres of slopes await you, as well as several ski touring and snowshoeing routes and a sledge run. The Siviez snow garden allows the very young to discover their first joys of skiing.
In summer, the ski slopes give way to the mountain pastures, which are the preferred holiday destination for the Hérens breed of cows. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails are also accessible from Siviez.Ebike Siviez été 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Randonnée Siviez hiver 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Siviez Hiver 2016 (Jean Cingria)Siviez Eté Vaches 2016 (Florian Guntern)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)2242.1823730469Bisse de ChervéBuilt in 1862, the Bisse de Chervé is the highest and most alpine of the bisses in the region. It takes its source at 2,370 metres above sea level and runs at an altitude of more than 2,200 metres throughout its entire length, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests, the Rhone Valley and the turquoise waters of the Cleuson Dam lake.
Although the water no longer flows there, some evidence still bears witness to the titanic work carried out to dig this channel linking Cleuson to the mountain pastures of Thyon, the construction of which was intended to allow irrigation of these pastures. Some elders say that its use only lasted a few years, while others say that the water never flowed over the entire route... We'll never know the full story !
In any case, despite the fact that the Bisse de Chervé has been abandoned for many years, it is still possible to follow it thanks to its well-maintained hiking trail. What luck !
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.Bisse de Chervé ruisseau été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé passerelle bois été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé barrage cleuson 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé foret 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2236.9970703125CombatselineIn summer and winter alike, Combatseline can be reached via the chairlift from Siviez. Its restaurant serving traditional and tasty dishes awaits you there for relaxing break before setting off down the slopes or starting your hike.
In the summer months, it is of course also possible to reach it on foot. From there, enjoy a hike towards the Cleuson dam on one side or Veysonnaz on the other by following the Bisse de Chervé, the highest of the bisses in Nendaz, which runs at an altitude of over 2,000 metres.
Once the snow has fallen, you can also reach Combatseline via a ski touring route. This is also a great way to reach the different slopes of the ski domain.Restaurant_Combatseline_2015 (Yasmine Gaudin)Restaurant de Combatseline terrasse 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Ski restaurant Combatseline 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant Combatseline été vue 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2238.86328125Restaurant de CombatselineA 10-minute chairlift ride from Siviez takes you to the Combatseline restaurant, nestled in the heart of a stunning setting. In a beautiful, typically Valaisan setting, the restaurant with its panoramic terrace is renowned for its traditional dishes. Fondue, plateau of cold hearts and cheeses from the Valais or a toasted cheese bake, the choice is yours !
Every lunchtime, the chef also offers a reasonably priced dish of the day. Children are not left out either. With the Cheesy menu, a half portion of the dish of the day, they are sure to enjoy their lunch.
Before leaving, don't forget to taste the chef's speciality: "le penché", a homemade liqueur.Summer Menu Combasteline (NVRM)Télésiège de Combatseline été restaurant 2015 (Yasmine Gaudin)Restaurant Combatseline été vue 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline terrasse hiver 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline extérieur hiver 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2162.0810546875Cleuson DamBuilt between 1947 and 1950 and first commissioned in 1950 for hydroelectric purposes, the Cleuson dam was decided and built in an economic context of war. It is a dam with reinforced buttresses, the federal authorities having then required that the building be massive and resistant to bombardments.
Located at al altitude of 2’187m, it holds about 20 million m3 of water coming from the entire valley. Its imposing wall, 420m long and 87m high, stands in the middle of a breathtaking alpine landscape . This site bears witness to a perfect harmony between nature and human activity. What a sight to behold !
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
In addition to its impressive wall and the magnificent landscape that surrounds it, a walk along the Cleuson dam lake unveils loads of interesting information. Indeed, if you are interested in this subject, in addition to the information posts located in the surroundings, guided visits of the dam wall are also proposed, in order to discover it from the inside. Not to be missed !
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
Have your camera or Smartphone ready to capture the turquoise blue water. In fact, the water of the lake is tinted with this exceptional colour, known as « bleu de Cleuson » which is due to the refraction of light on the sit. A ‘must’ for photo enthusiasts !Bisse de Chervé Cleuson automne 2021 (Suisse Tourisme - Dominik Baur)Randonnée barrage de Cleuson automne 2021 (Suisse Tourisme - Dominik Baur)Barrage Cleuson VTT Route Été 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson VTT Été 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson (Maude Gaudin)Barrage Cleuson (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1739.8831787109Restaurant Chez CarolineThe restaurant Chez Caroline, in Siviez, offers a splendid setting all year round. In winter, enjoy its sunny terrace at the foot of the ski slopes and relax to the sound of the cowbells in summer.
As for the menu, adapted to the seasons, it offers all sorts of dishes to delight all guests. From burgers and salads to a choice of soups and grilled meats, there is something for everyone. Breakfast is also available as well as a range of sandwiches for those on the go.Valentine's Day Menu (Menu de la Saint-Valentin)Chez Caroline restaurant hiver 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chez Caroline restaurant hiver 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Chez_Caroline_intérieur_2019 (Jean-Pierre Guillermin)Restaurant_Chez_Caroline_plat_2020 (Chez Caroline)1733.8332519531Restaurant Les BergersLocated at the entrance to Siviez, the restaurant Les Bergers, with its alpine atmosphere, promises a journey into the authenticity of the Valais. On the menu: open hearth grills, cheese dishes and other local specialities. In this establishment, local products and hospitality are essential.
In both summer and winter, you can also enjoy your meal on the beautiful sun drenched terrace.Assiette_valaisanne_2015 (Saifuddin Ismailji)Restaurant Les Bergers plat hiver 2023 (Elodie Moos)Restaurant_Les_Bergers_repas_terrasse_hiver_2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Les_Bergers_terrasse_été (Les Bergers)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.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)2215.5009765625Restaurant Les ChottesThe restaurant Les Chottes, with its elongated shape, typical of the old alpine cowsheds, has been splendidly renovated. Its name - Les Chottes - means, in fact, cowshed in local dialect.
It has two terraces, one overlooking the Bernese Alps and the other, more sheltered and intimate, on the upper side.
In winter, the indoor seating area is served at the table and a self-service area is available on the terrace. The terrace is accessed via an igloo tunnel, which is very popular with children, both young and not so young... As for the restaurant itself, it can be reached on skis, snowshoes or on foot.
In summer, guests are served at the table throughout the establishment. It is a popular stopover for walkers, following the ancient bisse de Chervé, an hour walk from the Mayens gondola or the Combatseline chairlift.
The chef has various surprises in store for his guests. We won't reveal everything here, but if you fancy it, bring a swim suit and a towel to enjoy the jacuzzi at 2,200 metres above sea level! (Bookings recommended)
An attractive menu, a warm welcome, sometimes to the sound of cow bells, a large wood fire in the centre of the restaurant, everything is here to make your visit a pleasant one.Chottes_alpage_vaches_été_2015 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Restaurant les Chottes_int_cheminée (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)Restaurant Les Chottes_ext_hiver_panorama Nendaz (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)1732.77368164061732.25671386721731.93420410161734.72692871091741.52624511721732.38378906251709.31774902341696.24792480471687.88000488281677.21203613281609.86999511721589.15869140621558.83447265621538.31079101561524.73730468751517.47753906251510.27111816411507.22216796881550.11682128911570.69128417971563.31518554691563.18041992191578.42639160161581.92358398441597.20666503911626.37475585941627.40002441411628.23669433591631.55810546881635.58972167971656.35131835941665.46105957031666.90612792971681.08728027341693.56323242191701.17504882811707.92639160161711.62512207031720.56884765621724.92297363281733.60388183591764.27722167971833.41833496091837.74011230471848.82519531251851.12902832031861.57922363281874.19482421881878.61999511721875.93493652341905.55261230471906.63696289061932.92248535161956.55358886721957.97485351561964.10571289061982.54394531251996.82287597662024.75085449222047.85327148442092.31176757812119.8730468752124.90332031252129.76855468752133.19995117192136.63818359382151.62377929692167.1113281252169.3027343752172.67456054692180.76098632812191.88208007812208.58496093752213.17236328122215.45385742192217.87353515622221.51684570312224.472656252227.59033203122224.11181640622229.1035156252230.160156252231.78173828122230.47656252235.24218752231.43676757812231.82397460942233.56689453122235.64624023442236.36230468752234.69799804692236.23193359382236.94775390622223.48388671882213.12670898442210.04248046882209.36694335942207.0332031252195.56396484382191.96240234382189.65283203122188.21899414062185.09863281252183.05883789062188.65844726562198.49877929692201.66870117192209.53076171882217.12573242192220.63549804692225.18920898442232.08520507812236.70434570312242.10180664062240.73071289062244.20605468752238.06542968752244.50732421882244.04907226562242.99316406252235.79785156252243.28100585942239.10498046882246.09204101562244.34204101562248.05908203122248.65161132812244.46899414062247.00219726562251.78198242192247.82958984382254.03564453122249.84521484382264.81665039062252.02636718752252.82690429692261.02514648442258.55615234382259.25805664062261.42822265622261.88842773442263.08911132812261.51733398442261.9824218752263.82983398442266.71826171882273.80541992192277.19213867192281.62573242192278.82983398442291.57861328122302.67407226562299.19213867192310.51342773442315.16040039062323.71508789062316.13696289062321.99975585942323.22338867192328.12329101562328.72949218752327.78540039062331.46606445312324.79125976562335.62280273442338.79785156252333.95581054692337.8300781252333.252340.75708007812334.37915039062343.86108398442346.9394531252343.81298828122346.09277343752346.09448242192351.34106445312352.72094726562347.00732421882356.67285156252350.79956054692344.33959960942364.71508789062367.31323242192360.94482421882343.61059570312351.65527343752338.86621093752304.76538085942310.75561523442304.94189453122279.25317382812270.61962890622250.31372070312226.88427734382216.30883789062197.26025390622203.45068359382193.13818359382198.05224609382193.35986328122199.72363281252200.75537109382197.52856445312194.84228515622201.07763671882202.44775390622199.81762695312192.597656252192.84472656252186.58862304692192.4218752185.46606445312162.25878906252165.89550781252152.48217773442158.82275390622131.97021484382132.32153320312123.230468752120.15209960942118.82055664062120.74487304692119.12182617192086.05322265622080.48535156252068.85913085942050.63696289061982.81616210941975.56909179691973.61779785161953.55847167971946.90051269531943.86059570311941.85754394531928.24719238281923.41064453121879.33801269531843.66577148441841.61853027341842.77502441411821.85925292971809.2597656251791.60229492191776.04931640621765.21118164061747.19873046881734.72839355471733.87646484381731.44665527341729.83300781251730.58764648441732.5721435547