The municipality of St-Léonard, where the climb to the Tseuzier dam begins, is home to the largest underground lake in Europe. The first kilometres wind through the vineyards of the Combe de Voos, where you climb little by little above the valley until the village of Botyre. The road then climbs to Liène on a mostly steady incline through a forest, with a few bends where the trees clear and you can admire the view over the high peaks on the opposite side of the Rhone valley. The climb continues with a few switchbacks towards Tseuzier Lake where you can see the reflection of the peaks that surround it.
The tour starts with an easy 6km warm-up along the Rhone river to St-Léonard. Leaving the village of St-Léonard you first cross exceptional vineyards dotted here and there by fig trees and rose bushes. It is not rare to hear cicadas singing in the summer, giving these first few kilometres of climbing the sensation of being in Provence. From Botyre, the landscape changes, becoming more mountainous as the road gradually becomes narrower. Take advantage of the panoramic view over the highest peaks of the Valais as the road gradually climbs to one of the few dams located on the right bank of the Rhone river. On arriving at the summit, the clear waters of Tseuzier Lake are sufficient to comfort even the most exhausted cyclist, and the view over the Rawil Pass that we can see at the end of the valley is enough to forget the all the effort spent climbing from St-Léonard.
Frequent train connections to Sion or Sierre, then take the Post Bus to Uvrier.
From Lausanne : Take the motorway A9 and take the exit 27 (Sion-Est). Then continue on the Route 9 to arrive at the village of Uvrier/St-Léonard after 10 minutes.
From Brig/Visp : Take the motorway A9 until the exit 28 (Sierre-Ouest). Then continue on the Route 9 to arrive directly at the village of Uvrier/St-Léonard after 10 minutes.
Parking near to the school at the village of St-Léonard. Follow the local car park routeing in St-Léonard.
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
More information :
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
Valais
