A mountain walking holiday with a difference

-----We flew to Geneva, to be met by Simon for the 45 minute journey to take us across the Swiss/French border to our destination.  Along the route the scenery grew more dramatic, with snow-capped mountains in the distance; on a clear day the tip of Mont Blanc is visible.  At length we left the main road and went upwards towards the wooden chalet where we would meet Simon’s wife Pippa.  A welcoming aroma of roast lamb wafted down from the kitchen; whatever happened, it appeared we wouldn’t starve.  Our bedroom, with its crisp white linen on the bed, looked out onto snowy peaks and green hills. There was a posy vase of wild flowers too.

The chalet Marion is situated on the edge of the village of Chinaillon, and has wonderful views in every direction.  There are three bedrooms; one on the entrance floor (with adjacent shower) and two more, plus a shower room with toilet on the second floor.  The living /dining room and the kitchen, all open-plan are on the first floor, where there is an additional toilet. Guests are asked about any dietary preferences or restrictions prior to arrival.

The pattern was similar for our four walking days; breakfast, prepared by Simon and Pippa, before we set out to walk.  Lunch was a tasty picnic against the backdrop of wonderful scenery, then there was more walking; in the evening we would spruce up a little, pore over the wildflower books and debate what plants we had actually spotted whilst our dinner was prepared for us. Afterwards we relaxed and chatted. Of course, that’s it in a nutshell, but it leaves a great deal unsaid!

We incline towards local dishes on our travels, so chose fresh bread, cold meats and croissants, although there was everything else on offer. At lunchtime we rationalised our consumption of pate, cheese and ham rolls by reflecting on the calories burned up by our exertions.  Each evening Pippa prepared a tasty meal using French recipes, with local wines which we imbibed, whilst debating the respective merits of the Reblochon and the Tomme cheeses or other such weighty matters. 

The first of our walks was the most challenging a steep uphill climb with plenty of tree-root avoidance, but it was worth toiling through the heat in order to take in the breathtaking views.   The pastures were filled with wild flowers at this time of year and we stopped frequently, not only to examine them, but it must be owned, to get our breath back!  There were so many different species to marvel at. We saw plenty of wildlife too; a golden eagle circled the area each day and a Lammer vulture came on a reconnaissance directly over us.    The second day Pippa took us by 4WD in a different direction and we all then walked along a less arduous track, with the sound of cowbells tinkling below. We crossed the snowline and examined plant life along the way.  Hankering for a climb, the men took a circuitous route home whilst the womenfolk prepared a barbecue. Our last full day coincided with the market at Le Grand Bornand, and we spent an hour or two in the pleasant town, then after a lunch break walked back to the chalet, all the way through the village. 

One of the charms of this holiday is its complete flexibility; it may be adapted to suit all levels of fitness and/or dedication.   For ourselves, we were glad to visit before July 1st, before the tourist season starts and when the spring flowers are so fresh.
The last day of our holiday, Simon and Pippa drove us to the airport once more, but via the beautiful town of Annecy with its clear blue lake.  Definitely worth a visit.

SUMMARY

This type of holiday attracts those who like to be away from the crowd. As it is tailored to the requirements of the individuals and it is therefore suitable for  walkers and botanists of varying degrees.   

Anyone of reasonable fitness who appreciates (in any order) mountain air, good hosts, flora and fauna, fine food, being looked after, walking, learning, relaxing and peaceful views will appreciate this kind of holiday.

MARILYN & DAVID WELLBY
July 2006

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