This easy circular hike will take you through three historic hamlets of Champorcher: Chardonney, Ronchas, and Perruchon. In addition to visiting these charming villages, this excursion immerses you in the natural beauty of the Champorcher Valley, guiding you along ancient mule tracks, through alpine pastures, and past the crystal-clear waters of the Ronc and Ayasse streams. You’ll be surrounded by an enchanting environment, rich in both nature and history.
After parking your car in the large square in Chardonney, enter the village and walk along the path near the Skiman Bar and the old oven, still used today to bake bread. We recommend visiting the Hemp Ecomuseum inside the Maison de Thomas, the old mill, and the "Lou Dzeut" Cooperative, where handwoven hemp fabric is still produced on traditional wooden looms (Insert links to both the cooperative and the Maison de Thomas websites). Then, find the cobblestone road (to the right of the Bar del Ponte) that climbs into the village of Chardonney, starting on trail no. 9B. Walk through the picturesque village, passing under the charming Chapel of Madonna delle Grazie, dating back to 1779. The bell tower is particularly unique, with a wooden spire featuring raised elements and a painted surface, traditionally commissioned in 1873 by Abbé Pierre Chanoux. Continue along the road, passing through the houses, crossing the main road, and arriving at the hamlet of Ronchas. Walk among the chalets and stone houses, then cross the road again and find the path that climbs with a few switchbacks into the village of Perruchon. After a brief visit to the hamlet, locate trail no. 9F, which begins to the left of the large fountain and traverses the slope to the left. From here, leave the houses behind and proceed through pastures and groves until you cross the Ronc stream on a wooden bridge. Continue along the slope to the left until you reach the vicinity of the Ayasse stream. Here, we recommend a refreshing pause by the crystal-clear waters that flow into several natural pools. After a bit of rest, cross the bridge and descend the mule track that will lead you back to Chardonney, once again passing through green alpine pastures.
Technical notes: Suitable for families. Very easy circular hike.
