This historic hiking trail is one of the region's most iconic itineraries.
Visitors to Champéry are often intrigued by the sight of an enormous sign, painted right onto the sheer rock wall on the other side of the valley. The red and white sign signals the Galerie Défago, one of the loveliest and most unique walks around Champéry.
The trail follows a natural ledge over 600 m long, which has been carved out in places to create a continuous passage along the cliff facing the village. The Galerie offers some of the best views of Champéry and over the whole Val d’Illiez, with the soaring church steeples of Val d’Illiez and Troistorrents in the distance.
Large wildflowers from the Adenostyles family bloom and flourish here as well. Walkers with vertigo should be forewarned; despite the barriers that run the length of the path, the sheer cliff walls and valley floor far below make for some very impressive views. During the hottest summer days, the trail is at its best in the morning or early afternoon before 2 pm, when the gallery is in the shade and the village of Champéry is in the sun.
Good to know: You can return to the village from the Cantine des Rives on the little Dents du Midi tourist train (free shuttle).
The Galerie path is closed in the Winter.
Best time of year
Subject to snow conditions.
Accessibility
Prestations
- Car park
Prices
Useful links
Location
Gare AOMC Champéry terminusCH - 1874ChampérySuisse