Passing through the Col de Mille, you will enter the territory of the Bagnes municipality, the largest one in Switzerland (282 km²). The Tour des Combins trail gradually heads NE and then reaches la Treutse after one hour, at an altitude of 2092m. You will enjoy superb views on all the hamlets making up this municipality with a population of 7800 citizens. Heading east, the path continues via blueberries and Arolla pines and leads to the Brunet Hut.

Heading SE, the path leads to the Sery bridge set on a narrow gorge, via uphill and downhill stretches, and then reaches the “la Maye” village somewhat easily. A steep zigzag climb leads to the large, 200-metre long footbridge crossing the streams that have their sources in the Corbassière glacier. Less than an hour’s hike on an easy path will then take you to the François-Xavier Bagnoud Hut in Panossière.

Elevation +1420m/-505m
Estimated time: 5.30
Distance: 14,4 km

The route is somewhat visible from the Chanrion Hut and, going down gently undulating pastures you will reach the Grand Charmotane bridge, then cross it. After a decidedly steep stretch, the slope gets gentler and goes via rocky, grassy areas, then a nice path will take you to the Fenêtre de Durand. This col is where Luigi Einaudi was welcomed by Swiss soldiers back in 1943, fleeing from Fascism; after having profited from Swiss hospitality, this eminent political figure would then become the second president of the Italian Republic after the end of WW2.

From the Fenêtre de Durand, the first part of the route towards By is dominated by the austere size of Mont Gelé and the gentler shapes of Mont Avril, which make up the gateway between the Valais and the Aosta Valley. The waymarked path first crosses a stony ground and then reaches the Thoules pastures. That is where the forestry road leading to the Balme pasture and then the By Basin departs; from there, the path climbs up 150m and then reaches the Ru de By, that you should follow as far as Néan. Leave the Ru and climb to the Tsa de Champillon, then reach the Letey Hut.

Elevation +1150m/-1250m
Estimated time: 7.30
Distance: 22,7km

From Saint-Rhémy, cross the main road in the village, bordered by several, recently restored historic buildings. Upon leaving the village, a small section goes along the road to the Great Saint Bernard Col; it then reaches the Roman road that connects Aosta to Martigny to the right. Follow it as far as the former hospital building of the Cantine de Fonteinte. Here, the path crosses the road twice and then continues along the pastures. The large amphitheatre in front of us at the base of the Col is framed by the Pointe de Drône to the N, while the sharp outline of the Pain de Sucre is to the W. You will reach the Great St. Bernard Pass quickly by crossing the road again. A point of passage known for more than 2000 years, renowned for its Hospice, founded in 1050, and clearly for its dogs, the Great Saint Bernard Col belongs to the collective memory of humanity. Its church, treasure and museum are certainly worth visiting.

Departing from the Col, the path plunges into the Combe des Morts and then moves to l’Hospitalet. After the de la Pierre pasture – whose vaulted barn dates back to 1707 – modern age shows its mark with the start of the road tunnel and the Toules dam; go along it following its left bank. Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the final destination of this stage and of the Tour des Combins, is now close-by. From St-Rhémy to Bourg Saint Pierre, the Tour des Combins follows the route of the path linking Martigny to Aosta, a section of the Via Francigena, connecting Canterbury to Rome.

Elevation +870m/-0m
Estimated time: 6h30
Distance: 19,3km