Via ferrata Le Lavanchy

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Overview

  • Start point: Pont de Nant (~1,240 m)

  • Main goal: Via Ferrata Le Lavanchy (K4, ~70 m vertical gain)

  • End point: Le Richard refuge (~1,380 m)

  • Higest point: Top of via ferrata (~1,580 m)

  • Elevation gain:  ~380 m

  • Total duration: 2–3 hours

  • Difficulty: Medium (due to exposed via ferrata and steep descent)


This hike starts at Pont de Nant, a picturesque spot just above Plan-sur-Bex. Even though it’s only about 10 minutes from the Rhone valley, it feels completely immersed in nature. To reach the starting point, drive from Plan-sur-Bex for about five more minutes on a narrow road until you reach a parking area tucked into a beautiful alpine dip beneath the imposing Grand Muveran (3,051 m).

The goal of today’s adventure is the Via Ferrata Le Lavanchy. Start by walking along the gravel road at the far end of the parking lot. Stay on this road for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice a trail branching off to the right, but skip it and continue forward.

Eventually, you’ll reach a crossroads where a smaller path heads off to the left—this is your turn. A sign marks the way to the via ferrata. Follow this trail for another 5 minutes to reach the start.


Via Ferrata Le Lavanchy

Le Lavanchy is a short but exciting via ferrata, rated K4 mainly due to two short overhangs at the beginning. These are physical but manageable, and since they come right at the start, you’ll quickly know if the route suits you.

The ferrata then zigzags up a vertical wall:

  • First on narrow rock ledges,

  • Then on metal grips during a second airy traverse.



These sections are not especially technical, but the exposure makes them feel very aerial and exciting. After a final smaller overhang, a few more cable-assisted moves bring you to the top. The total climb is about 70 vertical meters and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

Descent and Optional Loop

To descend, follow the trail to the right, which is unfortunately poorly marked and extremely steep, especially after leaving the forest—almost like a second via ferrata experience! After crossing an alpine pasture (alpage), you’ll reconnect with the main path that loops back to the parking area.

If you want to extend your outing, at the initial crossroads, instead of heading back, continue along the gravel road for another 10–15 minutes until you reach Le Richard, a small mountain refuge (~1,380 m). It’s only open from June, but it makes for a perfect picnic spot.


From the refuge, a trail leads you back downhill to the main road. You’ll rejoin the earlier trail—yes, the one you were told not to take before!

This short loop combines a peaceful alpine hike with a thrilling via ferrata. While Le Lavanchy is not long, it delivers on challenge and excitement thanks to its exposed setting. A perfect half-day adventure to kick off the hiking season.

Location: Les Plans-sur-Bex, 1880 Bex, Switzerland

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