Have you ever walked through an old, traditional Valais village and wondered what all these houses, stables and other buildings were used for in the past?
One of these villages is the beautiful Évolène in Valais, along the Val d’Hérens valley. Despite being one of Switzerland’s biggest communes, it is unique.
Évolène has managed to keep its culture and traditions alive throughout the years.
This makes the theme trail – Balade du Patrimoine Bâti – the building heritage trail, through the village even more interesting.
Throughout the walk you will encounter unique buildings that blend into the landscape and the environment. Ancient family houses, barns and granaries with interesting characteristic features will keep you in constant questioning of why, how, and when!
In short, the “Balade du Patrimoine Bâti” is a beautiful, educational and easy one and a half hour walk within the village of Évolène.
The walk is free of charge and is a great activity in Valais even on a rainy day.
Starting the walk through the village of Évolène
The Balade du Patrimoine Bâti – the building heritage walk starts at the tourist office in Évolène, where you will find a large car park.
Before starting grab a map from the tourist office to ensure nothing will be missed.
Note also, that on each post you can scan the QR code to get the information in German and English as well.
Now all you have to do is to follow the beautiful signs of the Balade du Patrimoine Bâti, which are drawn by Derib (the inventor and artist of the character Yakari).
In total there are twelve posts throughout the village of Évolène. On each post two characters, Julie and Jean, explain the difference between the Grange Ecurie (attic), the Raccard (barn), and the Grenier (wardrobe).
Furthermore, they explain the materials used for construction, local crafts and the origin of the decorations found on the houses of the village.
On every sign you can learn a few words in the local dialect Patois, traditionally spoken only in the home and in local agriculture. A dialect found in the lower half of French speaking Valais.
Guided walk in the village of Évolène
If you wish to explore a bit deeper and understand the history better, it is well worth to book a guide. He or she can tell you so much more about the history, recount stories and reveal hidden gems.
A great added value to this walk around the village.
Eric, a local, accompanied us along the walk through Évolène and his knowledge was second to none.
Every question we asked (and there were a lot) he answered with enthusiasm, and enriched it with insider stories about how the Evolènards have lived over the centuries.
We truly appreciated his presence.
Good to know when walking through the village of Évolène
- There is one steep downhill within the tour so make sure to grab a map so you can navigate around it if needed.
- Every Friday during the summer months, plan your walk in Évolène during the morning so that you can join the local market which takes place during the afternoon. A great experience to indulge further into the local culture.
- Furthermore, Évolène has a great history museum for anyone who would like to learn more about this traditional village in Valais.
- Like any local villages in Valais, these villages have great restaurants where traditional food and locally sourced products are key. One restaurant in Évolène we can recommend is La Taverne Evolènard, located at the beginning of the village. Great pizzas straight out of the wood burning oven are served in no time. If “la chasse”, wild season, is what you crave then visit Évolène during the autumn months and plan a lunch or dinner at La Taverne. Make sure you book a table as it can get busy.
- Download the brochure for the village trail – balade du patrimoine bâti.
How to get to Évolène
Arriving by car
If you arrive to Évolène by car you simply put Évolène in to your GPS.
Once you exit the A9 motorway in Sion-Est, take the Val d’Hérens road, all the way the village of Evolène. You will pass by the Pyramids of Euseigne (see below).
The journey takes 25 minutes from Sion to the Tourist Office.
By Public Transport – Postbus
Make your way by train to Sion station. From there take the Postbus line 381. You exit 40 minutes later at the Évolène village stop.
Check the SBB time table.
Things to do around Évolène in Valais
If you have to opportunity to stay longer than one day in Évolène and the beautiful Valais, then these are our suggestions for an active day.
Nature-lovers can get away from it all on one of the many hikes close by. Some hikes within the Évolène -Arolla region are mentioned below.
The Marmot hike in Arolla, a great family hike where, if in luck, you can observe many marmots.
Désalpe –“Sentier de la Désalpe”, learn all about the local cows on this downhill hike. (Make sure the chairlift to reach the Chemeuille Alp in Évolène is open to start this hike.)
Hike up to Lac Blue in Arolla – A hike in Évolène for any season!
Ferpècle – Mont Mine Glacier and Mountains The hidden gem in the region. A short hike to paradise
This are just some of many hikes to discover in beautiful Évolène, in the Canton of Valais.
Another feature are the Pyramids of Euseigne. When you drive up from Sion to Évolène, you will pass by these unique natural formations. Its worth a stop to check out these wonders. (photo below)
You may also like these activities in Valais
- 13 Best things to do in Zermatt
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
- 20 Family Friendly Things to do in Valais
- Valais – Picnic at Jungen Alp
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when visiting the village of Évolène and the Balade du Patrimoine Bâti.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help others and they can join in.
NOTE: We visited Évolène in a collaboration with Évolène Tourism. These great collaborations are here for us to show you the best there is and to test it all out. So when you are planning a trip to the destination, you know already the best tips.
Thank you & Never Forget to Travel
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