Isérables

Since the 1960s, it has been possible to travel up to Isérables by road. But why not make the most of our cable car? The journey has already enchanted thousands of visitors.

The first cable car was built in 1942. After 66 years of operation, the Canton of Valais decided to completely renovate it. Since August 2009, you’ve been able to enjoy a new, modern and fast cable car. This takes you from Riddes to Isérables in 6 minutes 30 seconds. The ascent is pleasant and the view splendid: you can admire the Rhône valley and the vineyards, and as the journey progresses, Isérables gradually comes into view. The departure point is in Riddes.

With approximately two cabins per hour, running from 6.00 am until 9.40 pm on weekdays (please do check the timetable below), the journey is well worth it.

Maintenance: On the first Tuesday of every month, the cable car service is suspended for maintenance. If this day is a public holiday or a non-working day, maintenance is postponed to the following week. A bus service is provided.

The Isérables Museum, whose main theme is adapting to the hillside, houses a unique collection of historical documents, artefacts, furniture and utensils that illustrate the richness of Isérables’ heritage. Two other distinctive features of Isérables are also highlighted: the abundance of wheat and the symbol of the cradle. The museum works to preserve this heritage and continues to collect objects and photographs to document the village’s development and the diversity of its resources: livestock farming and crops, mines and quarries, industry, crafts and tourism.

Opening hours
● July to September: Tuesday to Sunday, 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
● October to June: by appointment on 027 306 64 85

Admission
● Adults: Fr. 5.–
● Accompanied children up to the age of 16: free
● Group rates on request
● Free entry with the ‘Swiss Museum Pass’

If you choose to take the cable car up, the return journey is free. Please remember to keep your ticket and have it stamped at the museum. (except for groups)

Contact details
● Tel. 027 306 64 85

‘La Voie des Érables’ consists of three routes.

One, marked in orange on the map, takes you through apricot orchards and offers unrivalled views of the Rhône plain.

The second, marked in green, is more sheltered. It passes through the forest, close to La Faraz, and via the Relais des Érables, the village shelter. Several picnic areas have been set up along the trails.

The third, marked in yellow, follows the historic path linking Riddes to Isérables.

Along all three ‘Voies’, information boards covering various topics have been installed.

Each trail takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, making for a pleasant walk without too much difficulty.

For more information:www.iserables.org

Larch trees adorn the forests of Valais with sumptuous colours as the seasons change. There are more than 250 of them on the Balavaux mountain pasture, a wooded grazing area in the municipality of Isérables.

These trees, which are several hundred years old, exude strength and serenity. Among them stands the most imposing larch in Europe, nicknamed ‘the King of Balavaux’, with a circumference of 11.8 metres. It is surrounded by a walkway to protect its roots from being trampled by walkers and livestock.

The best time of year to recharge your batteries amongst the Balavaux larch trees is undoubtedly autumn. Indeed, before shedding all its needles in winter, this conifer glows with a myriad of golden and orange hues in October.

Hiking idea: The Balavaux larch trees – Routes in Nendaz | Valais, Switzerland