Step 6: The approach walk

After your break in Chanaz, it’s time to head off towards the wild Rhône.

To do so, simply cross back over the canal bridge and follow the path towards the ViaRhôna. You will then continue on foot to pass the lock and the hydroelectric dam, walking alongside the facilities that regulate the water flow between the canal and the river.

This walking section is easy, on flat terrain, and allows you to safely bypass an impassable section for packrafts, while discovering the clever coexistence between nature and human-made infrastructure.

After the dam, follow the gravel path along the ViaRhôna. Continue straight for about 2 kilometers: on your left, you will find a shallow crossing point, perfect for getting back on the water and reconnecting with the peacefulness of the wild Rhône.

This section may feel a bit more monotonous, especially with the long straight stretch, and it is often more exposed to the sun—so make sure to stay well hydrated. However, it is very much part of the journey: it gradually takes you away from the lively atmosphere of Chanaz and into a far more secluded and natural environment.

What awaits you next is well worth it: the Rhône’s backwaters—true havens of peace—where nature fully reclaims its space and your adventure takes on a calm and truly immersive dimension.