La Passerelle à Farinet: A Thrilling Alpine Crossing

Experience the thrill of crossing a high-altitude suspension bridge with panoramic views and discover the legend of Farinet, the 'Robin Hood of the Alps,' near Saillon, Switzerland.

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La Passerelle à Farinet

La Passerelle à Farinet is a stunning pedestrian suspension bridge near Saillon, Switzerland, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. Spanning 92 meters across the Salentse Gorge, it hangs 136 meters above the abyss where the legendary counterfeiter Farinet met his end. The bridge is part of a scenic hiking trail through vineyards and forests, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, surrounding peaks, and the iconic Hans Erni's 'Colombe de la Paix' dove. More than just a crossing, it's a tribute to local history and a testament to engineering ingenuity, drawing visitors seeking adventure and stunning vistas. The bridge is accessible year-round, offering distinct seasonal beauty, from lush summer greens to snow-dusted winter landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual tourist, La Passerelle à Farinet promises an unforgettable experience amidst the natural splendor of the Swiss Alps.

A brief summary to La Passerelle à Farinet

Ch. de la Passerelle, Saillon, 1912, CH

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the bridge is accessed via a scenic trail with some uneven terrain.
Check the weather conditions before visiting, especially during winter, as the trail can be icy or snowy.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and surrounding Alps.
Visit the nearby Vigne à Farinet, the world's smallest vineyard, for a unique photo opportunity and to learn about its charitable mission.
Combine your visit with a relaxing soak at the Bains de Saillon thermal baths, located a short distance from the bridge.

Getting There

Public Transport

From either Sion or Martigny, take the PostAuto bus line 311 to the 'Saillon, Collombeyres' stop. From the bus stop, walk towards the old village (approximately 2 minutes) and follow the signs for 'Passerelle à Farinet'. The trail to the bridge begins near the village and winds through vineyards. A single bus fare costs approximately CHF 3-5.
Driving

From the A9 motorway, take exit 23 (Saxon) if coming from Martigny or exit 24 (Riddes) if coming from Sion. Follow the signs to Saillon. Upon reaching Saillon, park at the Place Farinet car park at the foot of the village (free). From the car park, walk up through the village, following signs for 'Passerelle à Farinet'. The trail begins near the top of the village. Parking is free at Place Farinet.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Martigny or Sion, a taxi or ride-share to Saillon will cost approximately CHF 60-90. Ask the driver to drop you off at Place Farinet in Saillon. From there, follow the walking directions above to reach the bridge. There are no additional costs.

Discover more about La Passerelle à Farinet

La Passerelle à Farinet, a pedestrian suspension bridge near the charming village of Saillon in Valais, Switzerland, offers an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a touch of adrenaline. Spanning the dramatic Salentse Gorge, the bridge is not merely a means of crossing; it's a destination in itself, a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning alpine scenery and contemplate the legend of Joseph-Samuel Farinet, the 'Robin Hood of the Alps'. The bridge stretches an impressive 92 meters across the gorge, suspended 136 meters above the Salentse River. This height provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, the surrounding vineyards, and the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. The experience of walking across the swaying bridge is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, offering a unique perspective on the landscape. La Passerelle à Farinet is more than just an engineering marvel; it's a tribute to the local history and the legend of Joseph-Samuel Farinet. Farinet was a 19th-century counterfeiter who became a folk hero in the Valais region. He was known for distributing his counterfeit money among the poor, earning him the moniker 'Robin Hood of the Alps.' Farinet met his end in the Salentse Gorge while evading authorities, and the bridge stands as a memorial to his daring life and legacy. The bridge was constructed in 2001 by the Friends of the Footbridge, in collaboration with the communes of Saillon and Leytron, and the State of Valais. Its construction was a feat of engineering, designed to be lightweight and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. The bridge weighs 13 tonnes and is 1.20 meters wide. Accessing La Passerelle à Farinet is an adventure in itself. The bridge is part of a scenic hiking trail that winds through the vineyards and forests surrounding Saillon. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from the terraced vineyards that produce the region's renowned wines to the rugged beauty of the Salentse Gorge. Along the way, hikers can discover charming villages, historical sites, and breathtaking viewpoints. One of the highlights of the hike is the Vigne à Farinet, the smallest registered vineyard in the world. This tiny vineyard, measuring just 1.6 square meters, is owned by the Dalai Lama and tended by prominent figures from the arts, sports, and politics. The wine produced from this vineyard is sold for charitable causes, adding another layer of significance to the site. Another notable landmark near the bridge is Hans Erni's 'Colombe de la Paix' (Dove of Peace), a sculpture attached to the cliffside within the via ferrata. This iconic symbol adds a touch of artistry and contemplation to the already stunning surroundings. La Passerelle à Farinet is accessible year-round, offering distinct seasonal beauty. In the summer, the vineyards are lush and green, and the surrounding forests provide a cool respite from the sun. In the autumn, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors as the leaves change. In the winter, the bridge and surrounding landscape are dusted with snow, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. However, visitors should check weather conditions before visiting during winter months. Saillon, the village near the bridge, is also worth exploring. It is considered a Savoyard prototype of a fortified medieval town and experienced its heyday in the 13th century. The old centre is framed by an almost seamless row of houses and a stone wall. Both of the main streets can only be accessed by four gates, which are roughly laid out according to the four points of the compass. These streets are complemented by numerous pretty alleyways, some of which are covered or connected to one another via arched passageways. Saillon was even named one of the “Most beautiful villages in Switzerland” in 2015. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, the Bains de Saillon thermal baths are located nearby. These thermal baths offer a variety of pools, saunas, and spa treatments, providing a perfect way to unwind after a hike to the bridge. Whether you're an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply seeking a breathtaking view, La Passerelle à Farinet offers an unforgettable experience. It's a place where you can connect with nature, contemplate the past, and challenge your sense of adventure. The combination of stunning scenery, historical significance, and thrilling heights makes La Passerelle à Farinet a must-see destination in the Swiss Alps.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Place de jeux des ecluses

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Chalet des Alpes

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SPA des Bisses

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Experience ultimate relaxation in the Swiss Alps at SPA des Bisses, where nature meets rejuvenation in a serene environment.

Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa

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The Gallery

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Edelweiss

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MAD Mount Hotel

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Nendaz Tourisme

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Hôtel Cordée des Alpes

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MAP Verbier-Village Hostel

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Tourist Office of Verbier

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Les Guides de Verbier - Guides de montagne

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Les Guides de Verbier - Guides de montagne

W Verbier

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The Lodge

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Le Châble TV

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Unmissable attractions to see

Caverne des Géants - Tête du Géant

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Vigne à Farinet

1.3 km

Explore the scenic beauty and winemaking traditions of Vigne à Farinet in Saillon, Switzerland. A perfect getaway for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Tour Bayart

1.4 km

Explore the enchanting Tour Bayart in Saillon, Switzerland – a medieval castle offering stunning views and rich history amidst beautiful landscapes.

Les Bains de Saillon

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Place de la Bienveillance

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Bisse du Poteu

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Marais d'Ardon et de Chamoson

5.6 km

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Chalet Les Savoleyres

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Babylift

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Alpage

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Domaine Jean-René Germanier

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Sentier des sens

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La Maison de la forêt

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La Châtaigneraie

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Le Sentier des Adonis

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Essential places to dine

Le Vieux Valais & Aftersky

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Chavalard

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Le Vieux Chalet

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Discover culinary excellence at Le Vieux Chalet in Haute-Nendaz – where haute French cuisine meets alpine charm.

Chef at home.alain palazzone(chef à domicile, traiteur, cours de cuisine,...)

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Chef at home.alain palazzone(chef à domicile, traiteur, cours de cuisine,...)

Hameau Les Clèves

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Restaurant de Tracouet

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Experience authentic Swiss cuisine with breathtaking mountain views at Restaurant de Tracouet - a must-visit culinary destination.

Le Carnotzet L'Aigle

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Clos des Cimes

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La Cabane

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Hôtel Les Etagnes

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Restaurant Les Etagnes

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Le Verre d'ici

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Restaurant Le Grenier

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La Trattoria

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MADly Restaurant

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Discover the essence of Swiss style at Gentlemen Drivers, Haute-Nendaz's premier clothing shop for the modern man.

Discover The Rabbit Hutch, Verbier's enchanting cocktail bar, where expertly crafted drinks meet a cozy speakeasy atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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La Passerelle à Farinet: A Thrilling Alpine Crossing

A brief summary to La Passerelle à Farinet

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Driving

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of La Passerelle à Farinet

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about La Passerelle à Farinet

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Place de jeux des ecluses

Chalet des Alpes

SPA des Bisses

Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa

The Gallery

Edelweiss

MAD Mount Hotel

Nendaz Tourisme

Hôtel Cordée des Alpes

MAP Verbier-Village Hostel

Tourist Office of Verbier

Les Guides de Verbier - Guides de montagne

W Verbier

The Lodge

Le Châble TV

Unmissable attractions to see

Caverne des Géants - Tête du Géant

Vigne à Farinet

Tour Bayart

Les Bains de Saillon

Place de la Bienveillance

Bisse du Poteu

Marais d'Ardon et de Chamoson

Chalet Les Savoleyres

Babylift

Alpage

Domaine Jean-René Germanier

Sentier des sens

La Maison de la forêt

La Châtaigneraie

Le Sentier des Adonis

Essential places to dine

Le Vieux Valais & Aftersky

Chavalard

Le Vieux Chalet

Chef at home.alain palazzone(chef à domicile, traiteur, cours de cuisine,...)

Hameau Les Clèves

Restaurant de Tracouet

Le Carnotzet L'Aigle

Clos des Cimes

La Cabane

Hôtel Les Etagnes

Restaurant Les Etagnes

Le Verre d'ici

Restaurant Le Grenier

La Trattoria

MADly Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Tout un Canton - La Boutique du Valais

Sommet et Neige Retail and Rental

Sommet et Neige Retail and Rental Shop

Coop Supermarché Nendaz

Gaby Sports

Andrélie Homes

Baguette magique

Nendaz Kiosque

Supermarché Migros - Haute-Nendaz

Lowrider Teeshirt

ac crea design gmbh

Proxi

AlpsDiscovery

Pop Up Mountain Store

GENTLEMEN DRIVERS

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Le BOB - Ski bar bistro

EW Beer Sàrl

3330 Alt Bar