Suggested Itineraries - Guided or Self Guided Holidays
Long weekend or mid week breakDay 1
After a hearty breakfast we leave the chalet to explore the alpine meadows above la Chapelle d’Abondance. A 10 minute drive takes us to the start of our journey to reach 4 ‘cols’ on this relatively gentle walk, climbing initially through the forest and climbing to the ridge which forms the border between France and Switzerland. As the panorama unfolds we can see down to the Rhone valley and Lake Geneva. Once above the tree line the whole face of the Dents du Midi (3300m) gradually becomes visible. We picnic on our final col, at 1900m and a reasonably fit group can also make the short hike up to the summit of the Linleu. Back to the vehicle and down into the valley to enjoy a beer in the sunshine and a chance to rest the legs.
Length: 4 hours
Starting height: 1562m
Highest point: 2093m
Total climb: 531m
Day 2
A guided walk in the less well explored areas of the Abondance valley, making the tour of the Roc du Tavaneuse. This is the hidden side of the Haute Savoie, one free of the intrusion of man through ski lifts and development. We may see marmotte and chamois as we climb through the alpine pastures, and hear the familiar ring of bells hung around the necks of the local breed of cow whose milk makes the delicious and well known Fromage d’Abondance. We climb between the rocky peaks of Mont Brion and the Roc de Tavaneuse to the passage de Savolaire, where a view over Vallee d’Aulps greets us. A short descent to the chalets de Brion where we can enjoy some refreshment and relax in the sunshine before making our second ascent to the col de Tavaneuse. From here the path takes us to the beautiful and isolated Lac de Tavaneuse and down through mixed woodland to our vehicle.
Length: 6 hours
Starting height: 1128m
Highest point: 1997m
Total climb: 1045m
Day 3
A day of rest. Perhaps a visit to the thermal baths and saunas of Lavey-les-Bains, or a chance to explore the charming village of Chatel itself. For the adventurous, a chance to try the Fantasticable, or a white water rafting trip down the Dranse.
Or:
Ascent of Mont de Grange. We drive up to the col de Bassachaux, then begin our ascent through meadows and forest. Part of our route is the GR5 , the famous long distance footpath which runs through the Alps from Lake Geneva down to Nice on the Mediterranean coast. Our climb takes us up a broad ridge, admiring the views all around. As we climb the going becomes more rocky, but never difficult, until we reach the final section where we may still see remnants of the winter snows. The classic summit offers spectacular 360 views across to Mont Blanc and the spine of the Swiss Alps. On our return to the vehicle we can enjoy the refreshment and hospitality of the refuge at Bassachaux.
Length: 6 hours
Starting height: 1735m
Highest point: 2432m
Total climb: 697m
Week long walking holiday
Day 1
We take the short drive across the border into Switzerland to explore the delights of winter valley above the small alpine village of Morgins. Our walk takes us alongside a tumbling mountain stream, through the pine forest and up into the meadows where we are surrounded by the flora and fauna of the region. We have the chance to stop at a couple of mountain refuges, to enjoy a drink and a break, before making the final climb up to the col du Portes du Soleil and stunning views of the north face of the Dents du Midi. Our return trip allows time to rest feet in the stream, perhaps for a quick dip in a small, crystal clear alpine lake for those who are brave enough. Finally, a well earned beer on the terrace of one of the bars in Chatel.
Length: 5 hours
Starting height: 1416m
Highest point: 1980m
Total climb: 564m
Day 2
A walk in the less well explored areas of the Abondance valley, making the tour of the Roc du Tavaneuse. This is the hidden side of the Haute Savoie, one free of the intrusion of man through ski lifts and development. We may see marmotte and chamois as we climb through the alpine pastures, and hear the familiar ring of bells hung around the necks of the local breed of cow whose milk makes the delicious and well known Fromage d’Abondance. We climb between the rocky peaks of Mont Brion and the Roc de Tavaneuse to the passage de Savolaire, where a view over Vallee d’Aulps greets us. A short descent to the chalets de Brion where we can enjoy some refreshment and relax in the sunshine before making our second ascent to the col de Tavaneuse. From here the path takes us to the beautiful and isolated Lac de Tavaneuse and down through mixed woodland to our vehicle.
Length: 6 hours
Starting height: 1128m
Highest point: 1997m
Total climb: 1045m
Day 3 and Day 6
A day of rest. Perhaps a visit to the thermal baths and saunas of Lavey-les-Bains, or a chance to explore the charming village of Chatel itself. For the adventurous, a chance to try the Fantasticable, or a white water rafting trip down the Dranse.
Day 4 and Day 5
The tour of Mont de Grange, including an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Many of the mountains of the upper Vallee d’Abondance can be accessed by the lift system that forms part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. This is not the case for Mont de Grange, a shapely mountain set in 3000 hectares of nature reserve, where we can find chamois, mouflons, marmottes, eagles, roe deer and wild boar. From La Chapelle d’Abondance we make our way steadily up through the forest that coats this side of the mountain, passing waterfalls and surrounded by the sounds of the Alps – running water and tinkling cow bells.
The refuge is situated beneath the rocky north face of the mountain, and here the guardians provide a simple but delicious and filling evening meal. Try a fondue, Bethoud or Croute, made on site from local produce. Accommodation is basic, but clean and comfortable. Don’t expect the best night’s sleep you have ever had, but a great experience as you share stories and a glass or two of wine.
Early in the morning we climb up to the Pointe des Mattes and then traverse round to make our ascent of the mountain via the Crete de Colcon, a broad ridge that leads up to the rocky summit. At over 2400m we have a great view from the Jura to the north, to the Eiger and Jungfrau in the East and Mont Blanc to the South of us.
A final descent sees us safely back to the col de Bassachaux, tired but satisfied by a unique alpine experience and a great walking holiday.
Length: 11 hours
Starting height: 1018m
Highest point: 2432m
Total climb: 1520m
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