Hike TracouetDébutez votre parcours à la plaine des Ecluses, au centre de la station de Nendaz. Montez jusqu’à la gare de départ de la télécabine de Tracouet puis continuez votre ascension sur la piste de ski. Arrivé aux Clèves, bifurquez sur votre droite en direction des Rairettes et prenez le temps d’admirer la charmante petite chapelle en contrebas.
Poursuivez votre route à travers les mayens et les prés jusqu’à la secrète Gouille d’Ouché, cachée au cœur de la forêt. Après avoir atteint la magnifique clairière de Pra da Dzeu, votre chemin devient plus raide jusqu’aux Croix de Jean-Pierre puis jusqu’à Tracouet, point culminant de votre périple.
Après avoir profité d'une pause bien méritée au bord du lac de Tracouet, entamez votre descente en suivant la route d’alpage en direction de Balavaux. Traversez la majestueuse forêt de mélèzes centenaires jusqu’aux mayens de Prarion. Suivez ensuite le Bisse de Saxon pour revenir jusqu’à la clairière de Pra da Dzeu. De là, prenez le même chemin qu’à l’aller pour rentrer à Nendaz.Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Balade Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes de Balavaux 2014 (Etienne Bornet)Lac_de_Tracouet_Restaurant_Ete_2019 (Etienne Bornet)Pra Da Dzeu Pause Automne Pause Jeunes_2020 (Etienne Bornet)Chapelle Rairettes 2014 (Etienne Bornet)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)1521.5815429688Rairettes ChapelThe Rairettes Chapel is one of the three mayen (mid mountain pastures) chapels along with those of Le Bleusy and Planchouet.
From the 1920s onwards, some inhabitants of Sion seeking tranquillity and wishing to escape the summer heat of the valley built the first chalets in the Rairettes region. Together with a few people from Nendaz who owned mid-mountain grazing, they decided to build a chapel in order to avoid travelling to Basse-Nendaz for Sunday mass.
There is an anecdote about the chapel bell. It should be known that at the time of the construction of the chapel of Les Rairettes, the Saint-Michel chapel in Haute-Nendaz had not been restored and had been left in a state of neglect. The parish priest in place at the time donated the bell "la Metzotte" dating from 1642 to the construction committee of Les Rairettes. After the renovation of the village chapel, the Metzotte returned to its original location. On the new bell in the Rairettes chapel is the following inscription:
"After the Metzotte which now chimes on the restored chapel, I sing the glory of Notre-Dame and the faith of her children - Assumption 1964".Chapelle des Rairettes hiver promeneurs 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle_des_Rairettes_hiver_2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle des Rairettes clocher 2016 (Yvette Martignoni)Chapelle Rairettes 2014 (Etienne Bornet)1763.3087158203Pra Da DzeuPra da Dzeu is a dialect name which means "the meadow in the forest". This idyllic and magical place, located in the region of Isérables, brings calm and serenity in an unspoiled natural setting. Throughout the year, this surprisingly large expanse of land on the edge of the forest is the perfect place for a picnic or a well deserved break in the sun !
The Pra Da Dzeu pasture is located in a large clearing and has been used for centuries as summer grazing for the cattle from Nendaz and Isérables. The Bisse de Saxon, situated a few metres above this meadow, provided water for the cattle.
Every year, on the main plateau, a shallow natural pond is formed when the snow melts.Ski de randonnée Pause Pra Da Dzeu 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Pra da Dzeu hiver Elodie Moos 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra da Dzeu hiver barrières Elodie Moos 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra Da Dzeu Raquettes Hiver 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra Da Dzeu VTT Été 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Pra Da Dzeu Pause Automne Pause Jeunes_2020 (Etienne Bornet)Pra Da Dzeu Balade Bisse Saxon Automne 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Pra Da Dzeu Balade Bisse Saxon Automne 2020 (Etienne Bornet)2173.4167480469Tracouet LakePerched at 2'200 metres above sea level, the Tracouet Lake also known as the « Lac Noir (Black Lake) » due to the dark colour of the water. It serves as a mirror to the beautiful Dent de Nendaz throughout the summer and, in winter, it freezes and offers a wonderful flat area to host the snow garden.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
The Tracouet Lake has a unique ecosystem. Home to a large population of amphibians and exceptional flora, it has been listed on the Federal Inventory of Amphibian Breeding Sites of National Importance since 2001. In 2020, it was classified as a « protected natural site » by the Canton of Valais. You can easily observe red frogs or alpine newts !
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
The particular ecosystem and the beauty of the lake are not the only assets of this place. Indeed, you can discover other interesting sights in the surrounding area, such as the Dent de Nendaz, whose summit offers an exceptional viewpoint without forgetting the legendary larch trees of Balavaux of which some are the largest in Europe.Vue aérienne Tracouet été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac de Tracouet panorama été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac de tracouet été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac_de_Tracouet_automne_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac_de_Tracouet_Famille_Ete_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2195.4763183594Restaurant at TracouetSituated at 2'200 metres above sea level, at the arrival of the gondola and at the departure point of a number of hiking routes, the Tracouet restaurant offers visitors a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley and the Alps. Upstairs, you can enjoy a fine dining experience, such as the legendary entrecôte Café de Paris.
Other local dishes from Valais also await you here. For a quick but tasty stopover, take advantage of its self-service area which offers a choice of quick lunches and snacks, including a daily menu.
On sunny days, its vast terrace promises you a relaxing break in the sunshine. Children can also burn off energy in the play area.Restaurant de Tracouet hiver Restaurant de Tracouet hiver Télécabine de Tracouet gare arrivée hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Terrasse restaurant Tracouet hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_hiver_2016 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_hiver_2016 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline hiver vue 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline hiver vue 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_été_2016 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Tracouet_place_jeu_été_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2109.748046875The Balavaux larch treesBalavaux is a wooded pasture which is home to about a hundred cows throughout summer. This mountain pasture has about 250 larches, some of which have reached the venerable age of 1000 years.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
These multi-century-old trees convey strength and serenity. Among them is even the most imposing in Europe, nicknamed "the King of Balavaux", which has a circumference of 11.8 m. It is surrounded by a footbridge to protect its roots from the trampling of hikers and cattle.
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
The best season to recharge one's batteries amidst the Balavaux larch trees is undoubtedly autumn. Indeed, this conifer, before losing all its needles in winter, glows with a thousand shades of gold and orange in October.Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Balade Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes Balavaux Télésiège Automne 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes de Balavaux automne chemin 2018 (Jean Cingria)Mélèzes de Balavaux automne randonnee 2018 (Jean Cingria)1785.6444091797Bisse de SaxonThe Bisse de Saxon takes its source at 1,850 metres above sea level, in the Printse river upstream from Siviez. The bisse begins its journey of no less than 32 kilometres and ends its journey above Saxon. The inhabitants of this village located in the Rhone Valley had to be extremely short of water for their crops to undertake such a daring project.
Work began in 1865, but was interrupted initially for technical reasons and then because of a trial that lasted about ten years. Finally, work was resumed in 1874. Two years later, the Bisse de Saxon was filled with water and it was used for irrigation until 1964.
No less than three guards were needed to keep watch over this long irrigation channel. These men lived in cabins along the bisse. In 1999, an association called "Garde du Bisse" was created with the aim of restoring life to this bisse which holds an important place in the history of the Valais.
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 Saxon famille 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon panorama 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon totem 2014 (Laetitia Scarascia)Bisse de Saxon 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon ponton 2019 (Elodie Moos)2047.9300537109Balavaux Cabin RestaurantAt barely 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes on skis from Tracouet, reach the Balavaux cabin. Surrounded by some of the oldest larch trees in Europe, the restaurant offers dishes from the region, all concocted with local produce. Cheese bakes, fondues and many other traditional local dishes await you.
Feel free to enjoy your meal on the large sun-drenched terrace! Relaxation guaranteed!Cabane de Balavaux intérieur 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane Balavaux été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane de Balavaux terrasse été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane_de_Balavaux_été_2019 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Cabane_Balavaux_hiver_extérieur_2017 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant Cabane Balavaux hiver vue 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1821.6676025391Restaurant Chalet des AlpesThe Chalet des Alpes, an alpine style restaurant, is located in Prarion, not far from the legendary hundred-year-old larch trees. The sunny terrace charms visitors with its breathtaking panoramic view over the Alps in both summer and winter.
From a culinary point of view, there is nothing better than savouring local dishes after a morning of skiing or hiking in the Balavaux region.Chalet des Alpes été Restaurant Chalet des Alpes Assiette Valaisanne 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)E-bike_festival_Nendaz_2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Chalet des Alpes carte des mets été 2026 Restaurant Chalet Des Alpes extérieur hiver 2017 (Chalet des Alpes)Restaurant Chalet des Alpes Assiette Valaisanne 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)1346.003906251352.43835449221359.50366210941363.40173339841372.55969238281377.67749023441393.53942871091398.81921386721404.86877441411410.44824218751415.48449707031421.6699218751427.98364257811433.88012695311454.8769531251471.35058593751499.63647460941520.75756835941524.88024902341535.97082519531527.29016113281548.56518554691556.19506835941563.34472656251576.0878906251587.19262695311601.88964843751632.777343751625.09497070311648.29016113281661.11059570311667.38537597661710.89331054691723.02563476561713.87548828121727.72155761721728.73889160161741.38830566411751.6386718751757.64465332031767.59985351561774.68969726561788.04382324221806.57763671881816.51037597661828.63623046881836.80944824221845.59582519531849.13525390621863.39245605471880.23620605471882.74829101561887.843751925.79699707031926.88769531251940.10424804691958.68225097661965.19702148441980.63317871092006.90747070312037.17553710942085.08666992192115.45849609382145.84228515622161.80249023442169.36376953122170.707031252173.6699218752174.64941406252173.60571289062170.707031252161.76928710942155.47802734382099.28417968752085.86840820312073.07348632812063.32128906252056.57788085942042.71337890622025.77624511722023.4531252022.44018554692011.89050292972012.68640136721993.53149414061989.011718751975.78137207031943.74853515621940.69738769531931.87036132811917.35473632811896.90490722661893.23718261721886.37902832031875.60107421881849.74597167971836.57446289061834.35595703121828.77221679691793.99548339841776.09277343751778.05554199221777.35278320311779.59606933591785.00256347661772.17980957031776.68505859381770.09057617191780.1621093751774.42810058591778.36840820311780.56848144531780.42456054691772.28723144531776.06750488281788.13134765621784.28271484381770.89160156251788.31420898441778.43139648441786.33215332031784.19519042971772.43444824221780.80895996091775.48461914061774.43237304691783.53015136721772.74987792971788.27429199221774.63891601561782.39941406251772.34631347661770.12915039061769.29553222661774.16967773441767.59985351561757.00659179691751.6386718751741.38830566411728.73889160161727.72155761721713.87548828121723.02563476561710.89331054691663.06738281251648.29016113281624.13000488281632.777343751601.88964843751587.19262695311576.0878906251563.33703613281556.19506835941548.56518554691527.29016113281535.97082519531524.88024902341520.75756835941499.63647460941480.07922363281468.23327636721454.8769531251433.87438964841438.74792480471431.67687988281390.85180664061396.90869140621393.10314941411389.31762695311374.28796386721362.60522460941359.50366210941352.43835449221346.6121826172