If you’re planning to drive to the Tour des Combins with either your own or a rental car, parking can be an important consideration, as the trail spans both Switzerland and Italy, passing through several towns and remote areas. Here’s a breakdown of parking options for hikers embarking on the Tour des Combins, covering key starting points and access points for the trail.
1. Le Châble (Switzerland)
Le Châble is one of the most common starting points for the Tour des Combins, particularly for those heading towards La Fouly or Verbier. It serves as a transport hub and is easily accessible by car.
Public Parking: There are paid parking lots near the Le Châble railway station where you can leave your car for the duration of your hike. These lots are typically monitored and well-maintained, with ample space for longer stays.
Free Parking: There are very limited free parking spaces available on the outskirts of town, but these may be limited, especially during peak seasons (summer and early autumn). Make sure to check the parking signs to ensure you are allowed to leave your car overnight. Also, these might be far away from the trailhead.
Long-Term Parking: For long-term parking, Le Châble’s station parking is probably the best option. You can park here for as many days as you want, and there are also buses and trains that connect to surrounding areas.
For more details: https://www.verbier.ch/summer/mobility/car-parks/
add public transport from your car park
Use bus, chairlift or gondola from Le Chable or Verbier to access the main or alternative trails
2. Verbier (Switzerland)
Verbier is a popular resort town and a great starting point for hikers looking to explore the Tour des Combins hiking towards the Cabane the Louvie over the Sentier des Chamois.
Public Parking: There are several paid parking lots around Verbier, including at the Verbier railway station in Le Châble. These lots are ideal for short- or long-term parking and are a convenient option for those who plan to catch public transport to other trailheads.
Free Parking: Finding free parking in Verbier can be tricky, especially during the summer months. Some areas may allow for short-term free parking, but longer stays will likely require a paid parking space. Make sure to check the time limits on any free parking spaces.
For more details: https://www.verbier.ch/summer/mobility/car-parks/
Verbier: A popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers
3. La Fouly (Switzerland)
La Fouly is a popular starting point for those looking to begin the trail on the Swiss side of the Tour des Combins. This small village offers a few options for parking.
Free Parking: There is a large free parking area in La Fouly near the start of the trail. The parking is relatively simple, and you can leave your car here if you're planning to hike to Champex-Lac or Le Châble. However, availability may be limited during peak times in summer.
Paid Parking: Some accommodations in La Fouly also offer parking spaces for guests, which may be a good option if you are staying overnight before starting the hike.
La Fouly: Located in Val Ferret below Mont Blanc massif
5. Aosta and St Rhemy and St Oyen (Italy)
Aosta is the Italian gateway to the Tour des Combins, and is a popular base for hikers planning to hike through the Aosta Valley. It is well-equipped with parking options for hikers.
Paid Parking: There are several paid parking lots in and around Aosta, particularly near the town center and the trailheads. Most of these parking lots are easily accessible and offer long-term parking for hikers.
Hotel Parking: Many hotels in Aosta provide parking for their guests, often at an additional cost. If you are staying at a hotel before or after your trek, check with your accommodation to see if they offer parking.
From Aosta you need to get closer to the trailhead, so this would need to be added on top by for example a taxi organised by your hotel
Also in the villages of St Rhemy and St Oyen itself, there are several paid, free and hotel parkings. They tend to be small, so plan ahead or be flexible when aiming for these.
Aosta (Italy) is a possible start/end location, particularly if coming from another Italian destination/airport.
6. Parking Near Trailheads
While most of the Tour des Combins can be accessed from the above towns, you may be wondering about parking directly near trailheads in more remote areas. Going clockwise from Mauvoisin there are a few options:
Mauvoisin dam: here you can park right at the trailhead and start hiking straightaway. You can also sleep first at the hotel here, but there are no shops at this point.
Ollomont valley: your next option would be deep into the Ollomont valley coming from Aosta. This is a less straightforward option and there are no big general parkings. As this is a more quiet valley you should be able to find a spot somewhere close to the lower trail through the valley.
St Rhemy: The village has a small public parking with about 4 spots, just follow the signs and you can park right at the trailhead. If you find this one full, drive up the main road towards the Grand St Bernard pass, within 3mins you’ll find a much larger parking with an easy hiking path back to the main trail
Grand St Bernard pass: Right at the country border between Switzerland and Italy there is ample parking space. Make sure you don’t park at a reserved spot for overnight guests or at a busy restaurant. It does fill up in summer, but should be able to find a spot.
Val Ferret/La Fouly: see above for parking options at this location
Bourg St Pierre: On the left of the road (driving up towards to the pass) there is a large parking, dedicated to hikers, making this another excellent place to leave your car for free.
Le Chable/Verbier: as described above, the better options are certainly down in the valley. Do as the locals do, and leave your car in the valley and take the cable car upto Verbier.
Fionnay: Halfway between Le Chable and the Mauvoisin dam, this is another good option to leave your car. There is usually plenty of space close to the bus stop of this village. The trail goes up in either direction of the valley depending if you are aiming for Cabane Louvie or the Cabanes of Brunet and Panossiere at the other side.
summer transport schedules
Access the seasonal transport schedules for buses and cable cars along the Tour des Combins
7. General Tips for Parking on the Tour des Combins
Be Aware of Regulations: Always check local parking regulations. Parking restrictions are common in mountain areas, and parking fines can be hefty. Look for designated parking areas and make sure to follow time limits if you're using free parking spaces.
Use Public Transport for Convenience: In many cases, public transportation (trains, buses, and cable cars) is a convenient and affordable way to access the trailheads. You might find that using public transport reduces the hassle of parking and navigating mountain roads. Especially in Switzerland the public transport is excellent, dependable and all the locals use it too. From Geneva airport to your starting location is something that’s very doable by public transport.
Parking Fees: Parking fees vary depending on the location and duration of stay. Rates can range from CHF 20–50 per day in public lots, while hotel parking fees tend to be higher.
Conclusion
Parking options for the Tour des Combins are available in various villages and towns along the route, but availability can be limited during the peak summer months. If you’re planning to drive, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot in the designated parking areas. For added convenience, consider using public transport or booking accommodations with parking facilities. Make sure to plan ahead to ensure you have a smooth start to your hiking adventure!