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Hiking Trail
· Martigny - Saint-Maurice Region
Baths source - Giant's Head
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Walkers heading towards the Tête du géantPhoto: Arcanel Studio, Arcanel Studio
Discover the source of the thermal waters of Saillon and try to spot the Giant's Head painted and immortalized by Courbet.
This walk is easy and accessible to everyone, lasting about 40 minutes round trip. In summer, the freshness of the Salentze gorges and the river makes this excursion particularly pleasant.
The route follows the "Salentze" river upstream to the entrance of the gorges. At the end of the path, on the bridge, you discover the Giant's Head, a profile face in the gorge walls made of moss and rock. The painter Courbet, who lived a few months in Saillon, was inspired by this face for his painting "The Cave of the Giants".
The path, well marked and maintained, allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
Author’s recommendation
A refreshing walk, ideal during the heat waves.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The use of routes and information on this website is the responsibility of each hiker. On-site conditions may cause route changes. Valais/Wallis Promotion declines all responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the website information.
For all hikes:
- Bring a map. Download the full itinerary description with a large-scale map by clicking on the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
- Only use marked paths and observe all signage – for your safety, for livestock protection, and not to disturb wildlife. • Close gates after passing.
- Be respectful of other users, plants, and animals
Prepare your hike https://www.valais.ch/fr/activites/randonnee/preparer-sa-randonnee
Tips and suggestions
Learn more about the destination: Saillon tourism
Roadbook
From the Saillon St-Laurent bus stop, head towards the Salentze bridge and follow the river upstream. If you arrive by car, park in the blue zone along the Salentze. Follow the road upstream.
Cross the wooden bridge, then:
- Take the path directly on your left that runs alongside the river (it does not appear on our map). When the forest path reaches the road, continue to your left.
- For people with reduced mobility, follow the drivable road indicated on our map after the wooden bridge.
You will then arrive at a fork where there is a sign "Grottes des géants". At this point, take the path along the river in the forest again. You will finally arrive at a wooden bridge, from where you can admire the Giant's Head.
For experienced walkers, a ladder provides access to a natural bridge to admire the place where the thermal water flows out of the rock. You can return via the path to the right of the spring, avoiding going back down the ladder.
This is an out-and-back route. You can therefore take the same route back to reach the bus stop or your vehicle.
Farinet footbridge
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Take the postal bus 311 from Sion CFF or Martigny CFF or Riddes CFF, to the Saillon St-Laurent stop.
Directions
Highway A9 to exit 24 Riddes, then follow route de Riddes to Leytron, then Route de Saillon to Saillon.
Parking
Some parking spaces are located on the route de la Salentze. Parking is free and limited to 5 hours. Don't forget to display your parking disc. You can also park your vehicle in the free parking lots at the Bains de Saillon or at the Place Farinet (10 minutes walk from route de la Salentze).
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing: always have a waterproof jacket Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Picnic
- Camera
- Walking sticks (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Printed version of the itinerary (click on "print" to download)
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions