Hike Bisse Vieux - Bisse de Vex - ClosedLa randonnée prend son départ à Haute-Nendaz. Le Bisse Vieux traverse tout d’abord les hauts du village puis entre dans la forêt sur quelques centaines de mètres. À la sortie de la forêt vous pourrez profiter d’une vue magnifique sur les villages de Veysonnaz, Clèbes et Verrey. Le chemin continue ensuite dans le Val de Nendaz jusqu’à Planchouet, dans le sens inverse de l’eau du bisse qui prend sa source dans la Printse. Le Bisse Vieux est notamment connu pour ses constructions et sculptures en bois. À la fin du bisse, il faudra rejoindre le pittoresque hameau de Planchouet par la route. Accordez-vous une pause gourmande dans un des restaurants du village avant d’entamer la seconde partie de l’itinéraire.
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_enfants_eau_2011 (Aline_Fournier)Bisse_Vieux_marcheurs_escaliers_2015 (Aline_Fournier)Vue_Veysonnaz_depuis_Bisse_Vieux_été_2020 (Veysonnaz_Tourisme)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)1560.6409912109Bisse VieuxThe precise dating of this bisse is not known. However, a publication from the local authorities dating back to 1658 mentioning this irrigation channel suggests that it had already existed for some years. The seven-kilometre-long Bisse Vieux takes its source from the river Printse, between Siviez and Planchouet.
As you walk along it, you can clearly see the different materials used to build it. Over the years, the old wooden gutters have been replaced by concrete pipes or iron troughs. And the parts which pass through the gorges made dangerous by the risk of avalanches crashing down from the Dent de Nendaz forced the farmers to run the water through pipes.
This bisse is still used today to irrigate meadows and crops, especially the apricot orchards and raspberries patches in the regions of Haute-Nendaz, Fey and Bieudron.
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 IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
This bisse allows you to walk from the resort of Haute-Nendaz to Planchouet in about 1h30. Marvel at the landscapes and wood sculptures you can find along the way. Observe how the builders were able to get around a steep rock face by creating a small waterfall along a stone staircase...
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 du Milieu ! Indeed, between them, these bisses form a charming loop between Haute-Nendaz and Planchouet.Bisse vieux sans figurant été 2022 (Florian Bouvet)Bisse Vieux main été 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse Vieux 18 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Bisse Vieux automne forêt 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Bisse Vieux panorama 2011 (Valais Tourisme)Bisse Vieux automne chenaux 2020 (Etienne Bornet)1542.8817138672Picnic area on the Bisse VieuxThe picnic place on the Bisse Vieux is equipped with two tables and four benches. Located at about thirty minutes on foot from Planchouet, it awaits you for a small gourmet break during your walks on the Bisse Vieux.Place_pique-nique_bisse_Vieux_été_2020 (Etienne Bornet)Place de nique-nique bisse Vieux famille 2019 (TheMCorner)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)1515.0443115234Restaurant les BissesThe restaurant Les Bisses, nestled at the crossroads of the 4 bisses (bisse du Milieu, Vieux, d'en Bas and de Vex) in Planchouet, awaits you all year round with its local dishes. Easily accessible on foot or by car, its south-facing flowery terrace offers you peace and quiet with a stunning view of the Bec des Etagnes. In the magic of winter, its sun drenched terrace is perfect for lunch.
With a seasonal dishes, both fondue enthusiasts and hikers in search of summer delicacies will find what they are looking for. On the menu: regional specialities from the Valais, local produce and game dishes in autumn, all served with the utmost elegance. Children can also enjoy a menu specially designed for them.
For special occasions or group bookings, a choice of menu is available on reservation.Valentine's Day menu (Restaurant Les Bisses)Nuit des étoiles repas Les Bisses Planchouet 2019 (Sonia Délèze)Restaurant Les Bisses extérieur hiver 2014 (Les Bisses)Restaurant Les Bisses chasse 2019 (Elodie Moos)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)1354.2822265625Restaurant Le MagrappéThe Magrappé's restaurant offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Whether or not you are a resident of the hotel, you will instantly feel at home here, as if you were a regular from the start. The hotel succeeds in reproducing the friendly spirit of a village restaurant. Its location close to the gondola, the slopes and the hiking trails makes it a must.
The restaurant offers a varied menu with a number of suggestions. You can find fresh products, carefully selected and prepared in-house.
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