Location: Lower-Valais, left bank of the Rhône, above Monthey in the Val d´Illiez.
Description: very nice three-day hike in a grandiose panorama.
Total length: 51 km
Walking time: approx. 7-8 hours/day
Elevation: +/- 3875 meters
Altitude: between 1000 and 2500 meters,
National hiking map 1: 50’000: 272 St Maurice
Best period: July to September
Difficulty : T3
Departure and first day (Champéry – Chindonne)
Join the Grand Paradis car park at the exit of the village of Champéry (1056 m). Cross the Saufla torrent towards the La Luy farm and tackle the steep climb to Les Mosses, following the general direction of Chaux d’Antème with its hut at an altitude of 2028 m. We thus begin the Tour des Dents du Midi in a clockwise direction along the foothills of the Dents du Midi. Follow the hilly path towards Signal de Soi then to the Chindonne hut, the first stopover lodge. Track without difficulty; count 7 hours for the 17 km and the 1665 m of vertical drop.
Second day (Chindonne – Salanfe)
On the second day, the well-signposted path crosses a thick forest on the hillside to the village of Mex. The passage of some streams can be difficult with heavy rainfall. From this welcome stopover, prepare to attack the Col du Jorat as soon as you cross the St Barthélémy torrent; the path is easy but steep and leads unceremoniously to the pass at an altitude of 2212 m. Finish the second stage with the downhill access from the pass to the Auberge de Salanfe. Day of 16 km for 6.5 hours of walking and 1450 m of elevation.
Third day (Salanfe – Champéry)
The third and final stage begins by following the northern edge of Lake Salanfe to the locality Lanvouisset. Continue on the well-marked T3 path until the Col de Susanfe, which plays with the relief of the terrain. From the pass at 2493 m, join the Susanfe hut for a well-deserved stopover. The rest of the descent crosses a typical limestone relief before heading towards the Pas D’Encel. Pay attention to the condition of the path which can complicate the passage if the rock is wet; a rope can be very useful even if the passage is equipped with a handrail. This is the technical passage of the Tour. Descend to an altitude of 1543 m and take the path that heads to the right to return to the starting point by an endless route. Today’s route also shows 7 hours and 16 km of effort and 1670 m of vertical drop.
Useful information
Alpine hike for walkers accustomed to long walks. Shoes with a good profile covering the ankles recommended. Do not forget to book your accommodation in the huts.