Croix De Coeur

Above Verbier, in the Val de Bagnes, the Croix de Coeur is a cross and viewpoint on a ridge just over 2,100 metres high, with a mountain restaurant nearby. It is one of the most popular easy walks from the resort, since the route starts from the high-altitude cable car station of Les Ruinettes and covers only a gentle stretch of path rather than a steep climb.

Getting there begins with the cable car from Verbier up to Les Ruinettes, where the summer lifts deposit walkers close to 2,200 metres. From there, the path to the cross takes about half an hour. It follows a broad track with a gradual gradient that works for families with children and even for pushchairs, so the walk is rarely strenuous, though the thin air at this altitude can slow you down more than you might expect. An alternative start from the Savoleyres side also reaches the area, for those who want to vary the approach.

The view is the main reward. From the cross, the ridge opens out to a panorama over the Val de Bagnes, the village of Verbier spread across its terrace below, and the glaciated summits of the Grand Combin and surrounding peaks beyond. On a clear morning the mountains look sharp against a deep blue sky, and photographers will find plenty of foreground interest in the grassy slopes and rock outcrops.

In summer an open-air photography exhibition, organised with the Musee de Bagnes in Le Chable, often accompanies the walk, with large prints placed in the landscape along the path. It adds a cultural dimension to what would otherwise be a simple outing, and encourages walkers to stop and look rather than hurry on. The route is most popular between June and October, when the lifts are running and the path is clear of snow.

After the cross, walkers can stop at the nearby restaurant for a drink or lunch on a terrace overlooking the valley, then return the same way or continue on longer trails if they feel energetic. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry a jacket, sunscreen and water. For visitors who want an accessible taste of the high Alps with minimal effort, the Croix de Coeur is a dependable choice.