The Dailley Gorges were carved by the Salanfe, a river that flows down from the foot of the Dents du Midi towards the Rhône Valley. A trail equipped with footbridges and ladders runs through them between Les Granges and Van d’en Bas, up to the Dailley waterfall.
Caves & mines
Main highlights
- Footbridges and ladders fixed to the rock walls, right beside the rapids of the Salanfe
- Dailley waterfall at the end of the trail, one of the highlights of this gorge hike
- Views of the Grand and Petit Combin and over the Rhône Valley from the route
Overview
The Dailley Gorges lie above Salvan, a resort overlooking the Rhône Valley, in the Trient Valley. They were shaped by the Salanfe river, which flows down from the foot of the Dents du Midi. Their limestone walls contrast with the vegetation on the slopes.
The route opened in 1895, was later partly destroyed and then restored in 1995. It links Les Granges to Van d’en Bas. More demanding than other gorges in the region, it requires good physical fitness and a head for heights.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
From Les Granges, a path crosses a forest of larch and pine to the entrance of the gorges, near Van d’en Bas. The trail then descends via steep steps, numerous ladders, some very steep, and footbridges fixed to the vertical walls. These secured installations let you follow the Salanfe right beside its rapids.
At the end of the trail, the Dailley waterfall crashes down. The route also offers views down over the Rhône Valley and, through gaps in the vegetation, of the Grand and Petit Combin and the surrounding peaks.
Before the gorges, a forest nature trail, created by the Hôtel de la Balance, introduces the local flora and mountain ecosystems.
Practical information
Access : from Salvan, follow the signs for “Les Granges – Gorges du Dailley”. Large car park at the entrance to the village of Les Granges.
Visit duration : 2.5 to 3 hours round trip, with an elevation gain of about 300 m.
Difficulty : moderate to difficult, with ladders and footbridges. Handrails are fitted along the entire route.
Suitable for : physically fit hikers who are not prone to vertigo.
Visiting tips
Wear hiking boots with good grip and bring a warm layer, as the shaded sections are cool. Avoid going in rain or thunderstorms, as the rocks become slippery. Set off early in the morning to avoid the summer weekend crowds.
This place is part of the selection What to do in the Trient Valley ?
Nearby attractions
- The Trient Gorges, near Vernayaz, are narrow and deep, spanned by two very high bridges.
- VerticAlp Emosson offers rail-based attractions in the Trient Valley, on the French-Swiss border.
- The Pissevache Waterfall, fed by the Salanfe, drops 116 m between Vernayaz and Miéville.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place