Challand-Saint-Victor – Saint-Vincent
Challand-Saint-Victor, Emarèse, Saint-Vincent
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Cammino Balteo
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Difficulties:E - Excursionist
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Best period:
April - October
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Departure:Challand-Saint-Victor (748 m)
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Arrival:Saint-Vincent (567 m)
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Difference in level:+873 m -1125 m
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length:15.821 m
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Ascent:5h15
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Duration coming back:5h25
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GPS tracks:
This is a varied walk with great views that takes you from the start of the Val d’Ayas to the Col d’Arlaz up until Saint-Vincent, passing through little-known places that have a whole lot of charm. This is a route that delves you into nature, history and traditions.
Description of the route
You’ll arrive at the old cooperative dairy farm of Challand-Saint-Victor, which has recently been restored, to take the path that rises to the ruins of Villa Castle , the cradle of the powerful Challant family. Although all that remains is ruins, the old manor still emanates a pervasive charm that can be seen in its imposing masonry and strategic position. Once you have passed this cultural site, you will continue on to the Lake Villa Nature Reserve , which features an especially humid environment and is complete with an easy guided route.
From here you’ll climb slightly to the Col d’Arlaz where you will find clear views over a vast, airy panorama set within an utterly breathtaking setting.
You’ll then descend, following the ru d’Arlaz, until you reach Emarèse, where you can visit an extremely intriguing site: the Borna da ghiassa, a cave that has constantly circulating cold air inside.
Winding through forests and stretches of pasture, you’ll descend gently to Moron di Saint-Vincent, where you will be welcomed by the precious Romanesque Church of San Maurizio. You’ll keep going down from here until you get to Saint-Vincent, passing not far from the old thermal baths from the early twentieth century, which are now abandoned.
