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Walking holidays - Guided walks
Each day's guided walk will depend on the abilities of the group, what they want to get out of the day and, of course, the weather conditions. Being in the French Alps, the walking is quite challenging however there are relatively easy valley walks which still offer great views of the surrounding alpine peaks, like the walk up the winter valley in nearby Morgins in Switzerland, offering a classic hike through alpine forest next to a tumbling stream. Many of the walks are along alpine ridges, surrounded by fantastic scenery and views across to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. In the Abondance valley we have the nature reserve of Mont de Grange, offering a great variety of flora and fauna.
We don't have a typical day, and every day in the season is different. However, we do aim to offer a great alpine walking experience, combining challenge and tranquility in our beautiful valley, high in the French Alps.
Your guide will meet with you at the start of your walking holiday to discuss the type and level of walk you would like to do, however our walks can generally be split into 3 levels.
Level 1
A gentle mountain walk through alpine meadows and forest. We are surrounded by wildlife and fantastic scenery as we make our way alongside a tumbling mountain stream up to one of the cols from which we can view the north face of the daunting Dents du Midi and perhaps catch a glimpse of the mythical summit pyramid of Mont Blanc. Lunch in a mountain hut, or a picnic in the meadows.
The round trip takes 4-5 hours.
Level 2
An ascent of one of the local peaks. The walk takes us through forest tracks and up an easy ridge, where we may spot chamois and hear the cry of the marmotte in this spectacular nature reserve. The rocky summit provides a perfect picnic place. From the summit we have a view across the whole range of the Western Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Swiss Alps. The ascent takes 3-4 hours and descent a further 2-3 hours.
Level 3
Ascent of a local peak with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Starting in the afternoon, we climb through the forest to reach one of the many mountain huts in the area. The local guardian provides us with a hearty meal and some wine. Soon tales are being told and stories shared with people in the hut, who may be from all around the world. Don’t expect the best night’s sleep you have ever had, or the most comfortable bed, but a great experience. The following morning we climb one of the local peaks, scrambling up rocky ridges and enjoying the early warmth of the sun on our backs. We reach the summit for a picnic lunch, and then the walk down to a lake, perhaps to bathe tired feet in the pure, cold waters and back to Chatel where the hot tub awaits...
The ascent takes 4-5 hours, and descent 4-5 hours.
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