Vouvry is in the district of Monthey, in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais. The municipality includes part of the RhĂ´ne plain, a side valley crossed by the Le Fossau stream, and the adjoining mountains to the west. This brings together a variety of landscapes within the municipality.
Culture and architectural history
At Porte du Scex, a narrow passage forms between the foot of a mountain ridge and the RhĂ´ne. The castle at this crossing once served as a customs post and now hosts cultural exhibitions. Before your visit, check the arrangements for accessing the exhibitions.
Vouvry’s cultural commission offers art exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and performances. If you would like to include an event in your trip, check the current cultural program for your travel dates.
The area’s history also reaches further back: traces of a settlement dating back 35,000 years were found beneath a rocky overhang at Tanay. The octagonal spire of Vouvry church dates from around 1440 and is the work of Falco Gallien. A new church in Vouvry was built between 1819 and 1822 in a style that imitates Italian Baroque churches. Jean-Baptiste Carlen built the organ in Vouvry church between 1822 and 1831. It is one of the largest historic instruments in Valais and is classified as being of national importance.
Lac de Taney and the mountain landscape
Lac de Taney lies at an altitude of 1,500 meters above the Rhône Valley. It is known for the many amphibians that spawn there. Around the lake, rhododendrons, two-flowered yellow violets, narrow-leaved willowherb, Turk’s cap lilies, and monkshood form a colorful carpet of flowers. The flowering season varies from year to year.
The Chemin du Lac de Taney leads from the lake over the Col de Taney through the forests above the Rhône Valley and back to Le Flon near Miex. Its route links the lake, the pass, and stretches of woodland. Those wishing to explore this landscape on foot can follow the trail’s named stops.
The Col de Verne is in the far west of Vouvry, near the French border, and stands at 1,814 meters. The pass can be crossed on foot; the trail leads to La Chapelle d’Abondance in France.
Plan your journey and overnight stay
To get to the hiking trail, take the regional train to Vouvry and then the bus to Miex. Check the current timetables before setting off. Private vehicles are prohibited from accessing Lac de Taney; check the applicable access rules before you leave.
If you are traveling to Miex, it is advisable to park your car in Vouvry and take the bus. The road to Miex is very narrow and winding, and there are only a few parking spaces there. Parking options may change, so take this into account when planning your journey.
In Taney, three farms offer meals and overnight accommodation. Their services may be seasonal, so check which options are available for your planned travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Vionnaz, Troistorrents, Champéry, Val-D'illiez, Morgins, Port-Valais, Saint-Gingolph, Monthey.
Return to the main travel overview: Monthey.
