The St-Jean bisse and the Puchotaz waterfall: a walk along the water
Fancy a cool walk along the water as a family? Starting from Grimentz, the St-Jean bisse leads to the lovely Puchotaz waterfall. An easy walk much loved by children, with a shelter equipped with games for a picnic at St-Jean.
Along an old irrigation channel
Above the Val d'Anniviers, the bisses are old channels that bring water from the glaciers down to the meadows. Starting from Grimentz (the Roua sector), the Grand Bisse de St-Jean is followed gently to the hamlet of St-Jean, then towards the Puchotaz waterfall, above Mayoux. Restored in 2012, this flat, shady trail along the water is one of the walks most loved by families. The babble of the bisse accompanies the whole stroll.
What your children will discover
Children love following the water running along the bisse, throwing a leaf to watch it race away, and discovering the waterfall that gushes out at the end of the path. You explain to them simply what these channels were once used for. At St-Jean, a shelter equipped with games for children offers a perfect spot to picnic. A refreshing, lively nature walk.
What you do and the atmosphere on site
You set off from Grimentz, follow the bisse to St-Jean (often via the Animal Trail), enjoy the shelter-playground and the picnic, then push on to the Puchotaz waterfall before heading back — on foot or by postbus. The atmosphere is cool and bucolic. The length can be adjusted to the children's age and the chosen turning point.
Before you go
- Recommended age: as a family from age 4 (an easy walk along the water)
- Route: Grimentz (the Roua) → St-Jean → Puchotaz waterfall (adjustable)
- Price: free
- On site: shelter with games for children at St-Jean (ideal for a picnic)
- Return: on foot or by postbus from St-Jean
- Best season: summer and autumn (snow-free)
Parents' tips
- At St-Jean, the shelter with games is perfect for the picnic break.
- Adjust the distance: you can stop at St-Jean or push on to the waterfall.
- The return by postbus saves walking the whole route again.
- Keep an eye on the children by the bisse and near the waterfall.
- Combine it with the Animal Trail (same area).
Useful information
- Start: Grimentz (the Roua sector)
- Official website: valdanniviers.ch
- Price: free
- On site: shelter-playground at St-Jean; Puchotaz waterfall above Mayoux
- Season: summer and autumn
Why we recommend it
Because it's a cool, easy and lively walk, ideal for families: you follow the water of an old bisse from Grimentz to a lovely waterfall, with a games-and-picnic break at St-Jean. Free and refreshing, perfect on hot days.
In a nutshell
An easy walk along the St-Jean bisse, from Grimentz to the Puchotaz waterfall, with a shelter-playground for a picnic at St-Jean — a refreshing family nature outing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the trail difficult?
Where does the walk start?
What is there to see?
Is it free?
Can you picnic?
How do you get back?
What is the best season?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Grimentz
Valais
Secteur de la Roua, 3961 Grimentz
Contact
WebsiteNearby
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