In 1862, Emmanuel Défago made accessible the rock wall at the Rives by cutting a ledge along most of the rock wall.

The inauguration was held on 10 July 1964. Then, in 1967, at the instigation of Gabriel Gay, at the time the tenant of the Cantine des Rives, the decision to prolong the gallery by 400m was taken, opening the ledge all the way to Rives.

At present, its exploitation is in the hands of the Société de Développement de Champéry/Planachaux (local syndicate). To comply with the wish of M.A. de Claparède, 100 years later, entry fees are withdrawn.

This gallery is more than 600m long and in certain places had to be cut into the rock. It follows a natural cornice almost horizontal where tufts of denostyles with leaves of petasite (Adenostyles albifrons) flourish. The magnificent view widens as one heads on. At its extremity (1127m), one finds oneself directly opposite Champéry. Without doubt from this point one enjoys the nicest view of the village extending itself graciously over the lower mountain slopes into the valley, which opens up towards the plain. One can distinguish well the church tower of Illiez and the village of Troistorrents.

It has to be noted that the best time to do the walk in the gallery is in the morning or early afternoon in order to see Champéry before the shadow somewhat spoils the view.

Looking with interest at the big rock wall that raises high facing Champéry on the other side of the river Vièze, one is struck by the word “Galerie“ written in big letters on the stone, like a shop sign. This sign, that one does not expect to find on a bare wall, points out one of the most interesting and enjoyable walks in the surroundings of Champéry. (Arthur de Claparède, “Champéry, le Val d'Illiez et Morgins“).