Galerie Défago

The hike starts at Champéry station. From here, the path crosses the Vièze river and climbs to one of the region’s most significant attractions – a path hewn into the cliff faces above the village. Emmanuel Défago, a local businessman, opened this gallery in 1864. The path mainly follows a natural ledge along the cliff face. At certain spots, the workers had to dig into the rock to create a continuous path. One century later, this passage has been extended to 600 metres in length, opening up spectacular views over Champéry and the valley below. At the end of the gallery, the route continues towards Val-d’Illiez, passing through Les Rives. At Les Esserts, you will start your descent to the bottom of the valley, before climbing back up to the village of Val-d’Illiez, passing by the former sawmill.

We recommend: 

good footwear clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket hat or cap sunscreen bottle for water picnic camera binoculars (optional) hiking poles (optional) printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download) 

 

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.  When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

 

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page. Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife. Close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.

 

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather. Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.  

 

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone. Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Further information:

Champéry

Conquer a series of eight zip wires, one of which is 180 metres in length, in the treetop adventure park Accrobranche du Dahu.