Dents du Midi ; A Weekend in Champéry, Valais

In the heart of the Valais Chablais, the Dents du Midi region brings together six villages of the Portes du Soleil area. An ideal setting for relaxation.

Discovering the Dents du Midi Region

Champéry ; The Jewel of Valais

Over a weekend, the region reveals itself thanks to a press trip organised by Gretz Communication. On the programme: discovering the village, mountain walks, treetop adventure, gastronomy and relaxation. The journey begins at Aigle station. In about fifty minutes, the TPC train reaches Champéry, the end of the line. Arrival coincides with lunchtime. Next stop, the restaurant Le Gueullhi for indulgent, colourful plates.

The Dents du Midi form a chain of seven peaks, all above 3,000 metres. The Haute Cime is the highest point, at 3,257 metres. Cathédrale, Forteresse, Doigts and Dent Jaune complete this jagged silhouette. Visible from Lake Geneva, the massif is a landmark for the whole region. Six villages make up the Dents du Midi Region: Champéry, Champoussin, Les Crosets, Morgins, Troistorrents and Val-d’Illiez. Champéry charms with its main street, lined with wooden chalets and flower-filled balconies.

After this feast, it is time to discover the Hôtel Beau-Séjour & Spa. This three-star hotel offers cosy rooms, a spa, a terrace and a restaurant. With its Swiss chalet atmosphere, it blends perfectly into the Alpine setting.

Adventure and Panorama

The Dents du Midi and the Galerie Défago

The afternoon continues on the Galerie Défago, a path carved into the rock above Champéry. Accessible to all, except those prone to vertigo, it offers a unique view of the village.

The path follows a natural ledge more than 600 metres long, widened in places in the cliff. Railings secure the entire route. The loop from Champéry is about six kilometres, best done in summer. The path is closed in winter. On the way back, a small tourist train links the Cantine des Rives to the village centre for free. A practical way to spare your legs before the rest of the programme.

Treetop Adventure at the Foot of the Dents du Midi

Next stop is the Organic Adventure Park for some sport. Between zip lines and treetop courses, the experience proves playful and friendly.

At the end of the day, a few drops of rain accompany the return. A well-deserved shower precedes a gourmet dinner at the hotel restaurant.

The Dents du Midi Area

The Portes du Soleil

The next day, after a full breakfast, it is off to Le Vélociste to rent an electric bike. Multi Pass in hand, the cable car leads up to the Croix de Culet. Offered at many partner accommodations, this pass gives access to lifts and many activities. In a few minutes, a breathtaking panorama unfolds. As the bike route proves too ambitious, a solo hike takes over. For two hours, hills, chalets and cows make up a serene picture.

The Portes du Soleil area brings together a dozen resorts between Switzerland and France. In winter, it is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. In summer, the same lifts open up access to hiking and mountain bike trails. From the ridges, the view takes in the Dents du Midi, the Val d’Illiez and the French peaks. The pastures are dotted with summer chalets, where the cattle spend the warm season.

A Relaxing Evening in Champéry

Back at the hotel, a moment of rest allows watching the Rallye du Chablais pass by. In the evening, it is time to relax at the spa, between hot tubs, steam bath and soothing tea. The day ends at the Alta 1874 restaurant, over a salmon tartare and a glass of wine.

The Fondation des Vieux Moulins de la Tine

The Last Hours in the Dents du Midi

Located in Troistorrents, the Fondation des Vieux Moulins de la Tine preserves a historic monument. It offers a captivating trail, opened in 2022, to discover these old mills.

Records mention the mills as early as 1401. Nestled in the Vièze gorge, they combine a mill, a fulling mill, a press and a forge. All these machines are still in perfect working order. A collection of tools and an exhibition on hemp complete the visit. On Swiss Mills Day, the mechanisms come back to life before visitors’ eyes. Audio guides in French, German and English accompany the trail. In the past, the fulling mill was used to beat and soften woollen cloth. Hemp, for its part, gave ropes and fabrics to the valley’s families. The visit thus offers a real journey into daily life of the past.

Back at the Croix de Culet, the restaurant of the same name offers a last lunch facing the view. Thus ends this stay in a charming region, where nature, history and gastronomy blend perfectly. In winter, the Sentier des Ponts de Morgins (in French) also invites a walk in the region. To further explore Valais, the Grande Dixence (in French) offers another spectacular setting.

Planning a Weekend in the Dents du Midi

From Lausanne, the train reaches Aigle in about thirty minutes. The TPC line then climbs to Champéry, with no need for a car on site. Summer is ideal for hikes, the Galerie Défago and Portes du Soleil activities. In winter, the ski area and snowshoe walks take over. The Multi Pass, offered at many partner accommodations, makes the stay more affordable. A weekend is enough to discover the essentials of the Dents du Midi region.

Région Dents du Midi

Dents du Midi

Article written as part of a press trip organised by Gretz Communication