The Avançon Gorges, in the hills above Bex in the Vaud Chablais, form a canyon carved by the Avançon de Nant at the foot of the Grand Muveran. You explore them on a looping forest trail, with a suspension footbridge over the torrent.
Gorges
Avançon Gorges
Main highlights
- Canyon carved by the Avançon de Nant between limestone cliffs, sculpted boulders and natural pools
- Suspension footbridge spanning the gorge, with a bird’s-eye view of the torrent and rock walls
- 3 km loop with 160 m of elevation gain, between La Peuffeyre and Les Plans-sur-Bex
Overview
The Avançon Gorges lie in the Vaud Alps, above Bex, beneath the Grand Muveran. They were shaped over thousands of years by the erosion of the Avançon de Nant river, which cut its way between towering limestone cliffs.
The landscape combines sheer rock walls, water-sculpted boulders and natural pools. The forest surrounding the canyon and the rushing torrent keep the atmosphere cool and wild. Several paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the river below.
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What to see and do
The suspension footbridge is the highlight of the walk. It crosses the gorge safely and offers a direct view of the torrent and the rock walls. From this footbridge, located at the top of the gorge, it takes only about ten minutes on foot to reach Pont de Nant.
Along the route, you can observe rock formations shaped by the combined action of water and time. The walls framing the trail create an essentially mineral environment.
The hike follows the torrent as it winds along. The loop climbs up the river on the left bank, via L’Échelle, then comes back down on the right bank, via La Chambrette. It can be walked in either direction and lets you watch the landscape change as you climb.
Practical information
Access : A9 motorway, Bex exit, then drive through the village towards Les Plans-sur-Bex. Parking spaces are available along the Avançon.
Visit duration : 2 to 3 hours for the full 3 km loop, depending on your pace and breaks.
Suitable for : a generally easy forest trail, suitable for families, but it ends with a fairly steep climb recommended for experienced walkers.
On site : an inn at Pont-de-Nant.
Visitor tips
Wear good shoes : the trail can be damp and slippery near the waterfalls. Bring a light jacket, as it is cool in the gorge even in summer. Anyone prone to vertigo should take care on the footbridge.
After heavy rain or during snowmelt, the Avançon’s flow rises sharply : check the weather forecast before setting off.
Nearby attractions
- The Bex Salt Mines reveal salt extraction, practised for more than five centuries, through a network of tunnels.
- The La Thomasia Alpine Garden brings together Swiss alpine plants and mountain species from around the world.
- Gryon Parc, on the Place de Barboleuse in Gryon, is a small nature-themed amusement park for families.
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