Safe, accessible routes, suitable for little ones and pushchairs alike, in the heart of Valais!
Bird Trail — The most accessible
In brief: Family-friendly · Beginners · 100% pushchair-friendly (southern loop)
Set off to discover the birds of Saillon on this fun trail. Your children will learn whilst having fun thanks to the illustrated signs.
- Duration: 35 mins (southern loop) or 45 mins (northern loop)
- Distance: 2.4 km (South) / 2.5 km (North)
- Elevation gain: 5 m (South) / 55 m (North)
- Pram-friendly: Yes on the southern loop (and partly on the northern loop)
- Bonus: A fun quiz along the way!
The Giant’s Head — The shortest
In brief: Family-friendly · Very easy · Shaded
Follow the river to the magnificent Salentze Gorges. Go and admire the famous ‘giant’ carved into the rock. A very cool walk, ideal on hot days.
- Duration: 1 hour round trip
- Distance: 1.6 km
- Elevation gain: 70 m
- Prams: Accessible via the tarmac road through the vineyards (leave the pram before the ‘Grotte’ sign).
Farinet Footbridge — The most spectacular
In a nutshell: Families · Older children · Panoramic views
A thrilling walk! A walkway suspended 136 metres above the ground, 92 metres long, with a bird’s-eye view of the Rhône plain. Ideal for families with slightly older children.
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Distance: 7.9 km loop
- Elevation gain: 440 m
- Easy option / Pushchair-friendly: Set off from the“Les Places, bifurcation” bus stop, then a 20-minute walk on flat ground.
Practical tips for a stress-free day
To make the most of your family day out in Saillon, here’s some useful information to keep to hand:
Where can you park easily?
- Bird Trail: Free parking at the Cleusette bridge (north) or by the road to Fully (south)
- Tête du Géant: Free parking at Les Bains de Saillon, or blue zones at the Salentze Bridge (direct access to the start).
- Farinet Footbridge: Free parking at Place Farinet, or at Place des Remparts (in the village).
Picnic and snack break
- In the shade: a ‘medieval’-style, shaded picnic table awaits you on the approach to the Bayart Tower (in the village centre).
- Play area: There’s a lovely, safe playground at Place Farinet where children can run about. Picnic tables are also available.
- Drinking water: You’ll find several fountains with fresh water in the village to fill your water bottles.
Public toilets
- Public toilets are available in the village of Saillon.
- Toilets are available from April to October at the Passerelle in Farinet, and on Place de Cleusette (start of the northern loop – the bird trail)
What to pack in the children’s rucksacks
- Caps and sun cream: Saillon enjoys a very sunny microclimate!
- Water flasks: Essential for quenching a thirst whilst walking.
- Baby carrier: Handy to bring along if you’re trying out a trail that isn’t suitable for pushchairs.
- Closed trainers: The paths are easy, but they are still nature trails.
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