Hiking in Martigny

Find Your Hiking Trail in Martigny

Martigny, a region in the southwest of Switzerland, is a great base for hiking. It sits at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Italy, making it easy to access different mountain ranges and valleys. You’ll find trails for all levels here, from easy walks to long-distance treks. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike with great views or a hut-to-hut tour, there’s something for you. The region is known and loved for its adonis flowers that bloom in the spring, and proximity to the Mont Blanc massif (among other beautiful peaks).

Martigny is well-connected by train and bus, so getting to the area, and to the trailheads, is simple. Many hikes start right from town, while others are a short ride away. There are plenty of accommodation options, from hotels in Martigny to mountain huts along the trails. The area is also known for its food and wine, so after a long day of hiking, you can find a good meal without a problem.

Popular hikes in Martigny

The Mont de l’Arpille is a great six-kilometer day hike with wide views over the Rhône Valley. The trail starts from Col de la Forclaz, which you can reach by bus from Martigny. It’s a loop trail that takes you through forests and open landscapes before reaching the summit where you’ll see the Combin and Mont-Blanc massif. It’s not too technical, making it a good option for most hikers and families.

Another popular day hike in the area is the Aiguille de Mex, a trail that starts from the small village of Mex, which is a short drive or bus ride from Martigny. The trail takes you up to the Aiguille de Mex over eight kilometers, where you’ll have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It’s a steady climb, but the path is well-marked and the reward at the top makes it worth the effort.

The Sentier des Adonis trail is known as one of the best routes for seeing the adonis flowers that bloom between March and May. You’ll need to be careful, as the plant is poisonous, but beautiful. Only seven kilometers, this trail is good for the whole family, only accruing 245 meters in elevation gain throughout the hike.

Long-Distance hikes in Martigny

There are a few long-distance trails in the area that are renowned for their beauty and infrastructure. The first is the Chemin des Cols Alpins, a multi-day trek that connects different high mountain passes in the Alps. One of its sections passes through the Martigny region, which will give you a mix of alpine trails and valley crossings. It’s a good choice for those looking for a longer adventure without committing to a full thru-hike. There are three stages that go through the area, and are easy to access since you’ll go down to valleys between each pass of the trail.

If you are looking for a loop trail, the Tour du Grand-Chavalard is a trail that can be hiked as either a day hike or turned into a hut-to-hut hike. It takes you around the Grand Chavalard mountain with lots of mountain huts sprinkled along the trail, giving you a lot of flexibility to explore the area. It’s a tough but rewarding hike that passes through high-altitude landscapes and remote areas. On this one, you will have the chance to come to know the Grand Chavalard in all of its glory!

Finally, the Tour des Dents-du-Midi is one of the classic long-distance hikes in the region. The trek is a 42-kilometer multi-day route that circles the Dents-du-Midi mountain range. The trail takes you through a mix of alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and forested sections. It’s a well-marked route with huts and small lodges for overnight stays.

Getting Around and Where to Stay in Martigny

Martigny is a major transportation hub, so reaching the hiking areas is easy. Trains connect the town to Geneva, Lausanne, and other parts of Switzerland. There are also buses to trailheads, making it simple to get around without a car.

For accommodations, Martigny has hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. If you want to stay closer to the mountains, there are mountain huts and small lodges along many of the long-distance trails. Booking in advance is a good idea, especially in peak hiking season.

For many though, Martigny is more than just a hiking destination. The town has a strong history, with Roman ruins and cultural sites like the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, which hosts art exhibitions and a car museum. The region is also known for its vineyards, so wine tasting is a good way to end a hiking trip. And if you’re looking to explore more, France and Italy are just a short trip away.