Discover Saint Martin in summer

From La Borgne to La Maya

Exploring the municipality of Saint-Martin means discovering worlds that are as rich as they are diverse. You can explore the area vertically, as generations of mountain farmers did before us. To pay tribute to them, we invite you to take the Maurice Zermatten trail, dedicated to the writer who so aptly described rural life in Saint-Martin.

Our tour begins at the wild Borgne River. It originates higher up, in the depths of the glaciers. Along the way, it gains strength, fed by torrents and numerous springs on the right bank of the valley. One of these, Combioula, is particularly worth seeing. Its thermal water springs up right at the edge of the river. On the road to Evolène, you will undoubtedly stop at the village of Praz-Jean, home to a small museum dedicated to the former Comtesse mine.

From Combioula, take the winding road to Ossona. You are sure to appreciate the peaceful tranquility of this charming plateau. In the past, a few families lived here, following the seasonal migration of livestock and working the fields. Thanks to the determination of a few friends who love their heritage, the cottages have been renovated to accommodate guests seeking a taste of nature. The inn serves meals made with local produce. You will enjoy tasting a Solaris or Divico wine from the Ossona vineyards.

 Just above, the meadows, orchards, and grain fields are home to a rich biodiversity. If you explore these biotopes, don't forget to bring along the guidebook “Discovering the Nature of Saint-Martin.” Nearby are the wetter areas bordering the Ossona bisse and the torrents. From the Grande Combe footbridge (Les Prixes), you will have a magnificent view of the geological curiosities that are the pyramids forming in ancient glacial moraines.

Let's continue climbing. The path winds its way towards Suen, one of the nine villages in the municipality. Families cultivate small vegetable gardens in the immediate vicinity. In summer, it is not uncommon to see a farmer mowing the surrounding meadows, turning the hay and gathering it into large rolls. This is the fodder he will feed his animals during the winter.

Now let's take a look at the log buildings that make up the villages. Their architecture tells us a lot about the mountain life and culture of their builders. A trained eye will recognize barns, granaries, stables, and houses shared by several families.

Want to have a picnic? You'll find tables available for free use in the cool shade of the pine trees. And if you want to organize a family party, then the Grand Plan is the perfect place for you. In the Val d'Hérens, cyclists and mountain bikers are our friends. For them, we have created the Bike Friendly label, which has selected partners (hotels, refreshment bars, sports shops, etc.).

In spring and autumn, the inhabitants of Saint-Martin would go to their mountain pastures to graze their livestock. These mountain pastures, small rustic dwellings, provided a place to stop on the way to the alpine pastures. Many mountain pastures have been restored for holiday stays, such as those in the hamlet of Baule.

Farm tracks and roads offer pleasant walks along the slopes. At these altitudes, the forest still reigns supreme, populated by numerous animals, both large and small. Would you like to discover birdsong? We have created an educational trail for this purpose.

At the upper tree line, rhododendrons and numerous alpine meadow flowers bloom. Climb a little higher and you will cross the Saint-Martin mountain pastures: Loveignoz to the west and L'A Vieille to the east. There you can sample tomes, cheeses, séracs and other Valais dishes. Every Thursday, our mountain pasture shuttle bus allows you to make the most of your day at altitude.

 Hikers can enjoy a wide range of marked trails that will take them over the ridges to the Cabane des Becs de Bosson or the Haut Vallon de Réchy nature reserve. And if you've embarked on a long hike lasting several days, a night at the Cabane is a must.

Are you a mountain lover? Then you'll enjoy climbing Maya, Saint Martin's iconic peak, accompanied by a local guide. You've reached the highest point of your journey—well done! Now all you have to do is descend and tackle another climb via different routes.