Gorges de la Vièze in Monthey: tunnel and suspension footbridge with the family

A wild gorge at the gates of Monthey

Just beyond the centre of Monthey, the Vièze has carved a narrow, wild gorge that you would never imagine so close to town. A built loop trail climbs alongside the torrent, between rock walls, stairs and shaded passages. You will find a tunnel cut into the rock and a large suspension footbridge overlooking the void. Allow about an hour for the loop, dotted with educational panels: it is short, a real change of scenery and perfect for a half-day in nature without going far.

What your children will discover

The highlight is the suspension footbridge, around 90 metres long, from which the view opens onto the Rhone plain and the mountains. Then comes the lit tunnel, carved into the rock, which always delights children. All along the route, panels tell the story of the geology, fauna and flora of the gorge: you learn as you walk. Nearby, the old wooden bridge of 1809 and the ruins of the Château-Vieux add a touch of history to the walk.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You set off from the Vieux-Pont, follow the trail along the Vièze, go through the tunnel and cross the footbridge, stopping to read the panels and watch the torrent below. The atmosphere is wild and cool, even though you are a few minutes' walk from the town centre. Good to know: the trail closes in winter and may close temporarily after heavy rain; it is best to check that it is open before coming, and to keep children close on the footbridge and at the edge of the gorge.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 5-6 (the educational trail is also designed for schoolchildren); toddlers can be carried in a baby carrier.
• Duration: about 1 h to 1 h 30 for the loop.
• Price: free, open access.
• Booking: none.
• Stroller/wheelchair accessibility: not suitable (stairs, tunnel, footbridge).
• Transport: Monthey station then a few minutes' walk to the Vieux-Pont; by car, A9 Monthey exit. Parking in the blue zone (stade Philippe-Pottier) or near the old bridge.
• What to bring: good shoes, a light jacket; the tunnel is lit.
• Best season: from spring to autumn. Closed in winter; check that it is open with the Ville de Monthey before setting off.

Tips from parents

• Keep a firm hold on children on the suspension footbridge and at the edge of the gorge.
• Let the children flip the tunnel light switch: it is a big moment of the walk.
• Check that the trail is open before coming: it closes in winter and sometimes after heavy rain.
• Follow the educational panels to turn the walk into a discovery hunt.
• Extend it with a stop at the old wooden bridge of 1809 and the ruins of the Château-Vieux.

Useful information

• Address: start at the Vieux-Pont, 1870 Monthey (Valais).
• Official website: Ville de Monthey (monthey.ch) and valais.ch for the route and opening status.
• Opening times: trail with open access in the warmer months; closed in winter. Check that it is open before setting off.
• Access: Monthey station a few minutes' walk away; A9 Monthey exit; blue-zone parking (stade Philippe-Pottier) or near the old bridge.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in Monthey.

Why we recommend it

Because in an hour's walk, free of charge and just steps from the town centre, you give children a real sense of adventure: a tunnel, a dizzying footbridge, a wild torrent and discoveries at every panel. All in a setting nobody imagines so close to town.

In a nutshell

A wild, educational loop along the Vièze in Monthey, with a tunnel and suspension footbridge: a free nature adventure from age 5-6, at the gates of the town.