Sentier des Adonis

Information boards along the route will provide information about the local flora and the surrounding ecosystem. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful walk, the Adonis Trail is an enriching and memorable experience in the heart of the Valais.

The hike starts at the Charrat-Fully train station. During this initial stage, you will walk through the village of Charrat. The climb will be gentle, passing through apricot orchards characteristic of the region.

Leaving Charrat, the trail then climbs steeply towards the hill of Vison. This is where it will be possible to see the first bouquets of adonis, especially on the steppe hill. The landscape gradually changes here, allowing you to see more orchards and drier and sparser vegetation.

From here, you’ll now have views of the Rhone Valley and the surrounding mountains. This is the heart of the “Sentier des Adonis,” where you can find the greatest concentration of these golden yellow flowers between the end of March and the beginning of May. The vegetation is characteristic of dry meadows.

The trail then leads you to the Cascade des Barmes, which is a refreshing contrast to the drier landscapes you previously hiked through. This part of the route crosses wooded areas, mainly composed of Scots pines and oaks.

The last stage will take you back to the plain, passing through the famous Saxon apricot orchards. This descent is a beautiful transition between the natural environments of the hillside and the cultivated areas.

The ideal period is from the end of March to the very beginning of May. This is when the adonis flowers bloom and emerge from the dry grass. Above the village of Charrat, on the steppe hill, appear the first clumps of adonis, which can also be found near the rocky outcrops of the pine forest. If you’re really hoping to catch the flowers in bloom, aim for the middle of the season for the best opportunity.

Be warned: the whole adonis plant is poisonous. It contains glycosides that affect the nervous system. These active ingredients give it cardiotonic properties. Due to its high toxicity, its use is strictly discouraged. This is very much a “look, don’t touch” hike.

Bring a first aid kit with you, and lots of water and snacks to stay energized throughout the walk. You’ll also want to wear adequate clothing and hiking shoes that provide support for the rockier areas. Finally, make sure you download the GPX file to your device in case you need to confirm your path.

The Sentier des Adonis is considered a low-difficulty hike, making it accessible to a wide audience, including families. The gentle slopes and well-maintained terrain make it possible to fully enjoy the scenery without requiring prior hiking experience.

Nonetheless, if you want to train a bit for hilly walking, you can try taking daily walks at home, or carrying a full backpack with you throughout the day to adjust to the weight you may carry on the Sentier des Adonis.