Brochrando 09 SentierDesBulbocodes ANGEducational panelThe Follatères site includes a vast area of downy oaks and steppes. They are recognised by the presence of typical species such as the Pinnate Stipe, Valais Fescue, Hyssop, etc.
This nature reserve is also full of many species of insects, birds and reptiles.Bus stopName of the stop: Branson, Pont du Rhône
From this stop, you can take the bus to Sion. On the other side of the road, the bus takes you in the direction of Martigny.
Timetables on the site: www.cff.chFully CanalFrom the Grand-Blettay lock to its mouth in the Rhône, the Fully canal is the ideal place for all forms of fishing. More and more fly fishermen appreciate these 8 km of canal because they can catch magnificent wild specimens there. The best periods are from March to April, then from September to October.The RhôneThe Rhône is a European river, 812 kilometres long.
The source of the river Rhône is in Switzerland, at the Rhône glacier (2,209 m above sea level) at the eastern end of Valais, in the massif of the Uri Alps.
In Switzerland, the Rhône has undergone numerous improvements aimed at controlling its course and reducing the harmful effects of flooding.BransonBranson is a village in the commune of Fully and is part of the Federal Inventory of built sites of national importance to be protected in Switzerland, in particular for the historical character of its mazots (small houses) and the preservation of the original structure of the sites.
A wine-growing hamlet since Roman times, it has only been inhabited continuously since the end of the 20th century.Fountain and picnic areaThis picnic table and its fountain are in the picturesque village of Branson, near the primary school.Branson ChapelThe Branson chapel is a Gothic-style historic monument. Built in the middle of the 18th century, the chapel was restored in the years 1990-1991. It is dedicated to Notre-Dame-De-Compassion.FountainThis fountain is located in the picturesque village of Branson. It is recommended to wander around the small narrow streets and admire the old renovated mazots, the slate roofs, the small courtyards and balconies on the Rhône plain and the village fountains.FountainSculpture in a treeOur Lady of Hope sculpted by Christine Jacquemin-Glarner.Fol'terresIf you feel thirsty after your walk, the Fol’terres agritourism pavilion offers wines by the glass (a choice made from more than 100 winemakers in the Valais), fruit juices and craft beers.
This place also offers to taste delicious local products such as cheese, cured meats, jams, etc.
The Pavilion is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.The Rhône plainLong ago, the plain was marsh land. In the second half of the 19th century, the Rhône was dammed. This development not only allowed to contain the river between its dams, but above all it caused a radical transformation of the landscapes of the plain. This containment allowed the agricultural development of marsh land and a progressive colonisation of the plain by infrastructure and residential areas.Fountain and picnic areaA fountain and a picnic table are located at "Place Pierre à Grosse".View of the Pierre AvoiThroughout the walk, you can see the Pierre Avoi (2,743 m above sea level), which means pointed in patois (Avouè). It is therefore the pointed mountain. This mountain dominates the town of Saxon. By mistake, people call it the Pierre-à-Voir.
The summit is accessible from the south-east side to hikers not prone to vertigo thanks to equipment (ladders, chains). Its natural cut gives the impression of toes pointing towards the sky.View of Le ChavalardLe Chavalard, with its 2,898 m above sea level, overlooks the municipality of Fully.
Its summit requires a certain effort to reach the realm of the ibex and the bearded vulture. But once you are there, you will really appreciate the breathtaking view of the Alps and the Rhone Valley.Spring meadow saffron (bulbocode)At the beginning of the year, you will be able to witness the spectacular display of spring meadow saffron (bulbocode). This flower is present in Switzerland only in the canton of Valais, on its very sunny slopes. It has a very short flowering period beginning when the snow starts to melt. For Follatères, this flowering generally takes place in February but sometimes even in January. You will also be able to enjoy many other flowers that brighten this trail all throughout the year.The Branson chestnut forestThe first chestnut trees grown in Fully were said to have been planted around the year 1200 AD. Before the Rhône plain was cleaned up, this feeder tree was considered essential for the survival of the local population.
Gradually, the vine, which became more profitable, replaced the chestnut trees. Several forests have survived until today, as above the villages of Branson and La Fontaine.BiotopeIn the past, there were several biotopes there. Today, they have been redeveloped.
The piles of submerged stones are attractive to fish. Large, well exposed scree are popular with reptiles. Clusters of branches stored on the ground are refuges for micromammals. Willows, reeds and groups of shrubs are necessary for the reproduction of birds.Fountain and picnic areaA fountain and picnic tables are located at "Place des Follatères".The FollatèresThe Follatères nature reserve offers a magnificent landscape along the Rhône elbow. Subject to the influences of the continental climate and the Lemanic climate, this is a true paradise for nature; this site is full of varied and unusual animal and plant species.
In spring, hikers can appreciate the richness of the flora present. In summer, they can admire the golden tones. In winter, hikers particularly appreciate the mild Mediterranean climate.Picnic areaFrom this picnic place, walkers have a view of Catogne and the city of Martigny.View of Catogne and the RhôneLe Catogne is an atypical mountain in the Swiss Alps with its 2,598 m above sea level. It is isolated and gives the impression of being a volcano wedged between the Val d'Entremont and the Rhône Valley.
It is a difficult trail because of its steep paths, its unstable scree and its lack of water source. But once at the top, the effort is well rewarded with an incredible view!Fully vineyardConsisting of 332 ha, the Fully vineyard is mainly made up of gneiss. There are also some limestone soils.
The most acidic regions have always proved to be the best for certain grape varieties, Marsanne (Ermitage) and Arvine (Petite Arvine). The latter ensures the reputation of Fully well beyond the Valais borders.Educational panelFrom Martigny to Leuk, the vineyard trail runs through the Valais vineyards. It includes a walking route (66 km), a cycle route (83 km) and a roadway.Educational panelThe canal, built in 1873 to drain the plain, was perfectly rectilinear. Shallower than the Rhone, it suffered from a backflow of water causing flooding. Its natural evacuation was therefore thwarted. An additional section of canal and two tunnels were dug to bring it to an end after the spur of the Follatères.
We can see this place as a reconstruction of the Rhône before the dams.Educational panelThe Vine and Vineyard Hut educational trail offers a breathtaking view of the Rhone plain and connects the Branson chestnut forest to that of the Vers-l'Eglise area. There are several information panels along the trail giving explanations on the evolution of the vine over the seasons, as well as on the Fully vineyard.Rhône elbowAs its patois name indicates, the Tchoeüde di Roeüne, it is about the change of angle of the Rhône and by extension of the whole Rhône Valley.
The Rhône elbow has, on the right bank, a remarkable microclimate, which is the specific feature of the Follatères.
This nature reserve is one of the most diverse in the entire Alpine region.Brochrando 09 SentierDesBulbocodes ANG460.9460.8460.4459.5458.6458.9459.1459.3465.5473.7481.2482.5483.4492.7498.4500.7505.1506.3507.5512.4513.8515.4519.5522.4524.5525.4527.3531.8538.0540.6542.6544.0547.5553.5560.7567.2571.6581.6597.0600.1611.3615.0618.0621.1624.1626.9631.8635.3635.0634.2635.0635.2633.6631.9630.9634.2633.6632.9631.7627.3627.9627.3626.3626.9629.2630.0631.6632.7632.0630.1629.3628.9629.0630.1625.6623.6621.9618.2613.7611.6608.9608.9610.6611.8610.0606.6603.1599.2594.8588.3587.7557.4552.5542.4536.3534.2530.7522.0518.7514.1509.0505.7504.6498.0495.7492.2490.7490.0487.2485.5480.4473.6463.4461.2461.1462.1462.1461.8460.9