Heidi Fuller-Love pulls on her walking boots to explore the stunning Rhône-Alpes, During her four-day tour she soaks up the scenery on winding Alpine roads, tackles beautiful mountain trails by foot, visits an ancient abbey and enjoys incredible panoramic views in Geneva.
By Heidi Fuller-Love | 13 Nov 2018
Discovering natural wondersLe Vaugrais campsite
Tucked between lush forests and the stunning Jura Mountains, Le Vaugrais campsite has a good-sized swimming pool and a snack bar. Surrounded by well-marked footpaths, it is an ideal base for the beginning of a hiking adventure.
Trek to Cerveyrieu waterfall from the pretty village of Artemare. You can follow a path along the Séran river, passing vineyards, standing stones and the magnificent Thurignin Gorge whose swirling waters are dotted with the natural stone potholes known as ‘giant’s kettles’.
Soon after, you will be standing at the head of the waterfall watching the water crash down into pools some 60m below.
Outstanding landscapesLake Bourget and the Lavours marshes
Lake Bourget, a 40 minute drive from Le Vaugrais campsite, is the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France at a whopping 18km (11 miles) long. Many influential people, including Queen Victoria, have visited this pretty expanse of water.
En route to Lake Bourget, stop at the Lavours marshes, one of the last remaining giant marshlands in Western Europe. It is framed by the magnificent Grand Colombier Mountain and a plank bridge takes you right to the heart of the wetland.
Stop for some fine dining at the sleepy town of Le Bourget-du-Lac which, astonishingly, boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants.
The historical Hautecombe Abbey and AnnecyAdmire the surrounding lakes and glorious Gothic-troubadour style architecture inside the magnificent 12th century Hautecombe Abbey, on a self-guided audio tour. Then see dozens of ornate tombs belonging to members of the powerful Savoy dynasty. You can also see the tomb of the last king of Italy, Umberto II, buried there in 1983.
Make a detour to the alpine town of Annecy to witness cobbled streets studded with colourful and historic buildings. Overlooking the city is the medieval Château d’Annecy, once home to the Counts of Geneva, which is now an interesting museum open for visiting.
Relaxation in Aix-les-BainsNot a far drive away from the site is the town of Aix-les-Bains. With its elegant streets, flower-filled parks and Belle Epoque buildings, this town is known as the Riviera of the Alps.
You can enjoy a quick swim in the lake, a choice of restaurants and set out to explore this pretty town. Shop for souvenirs, visit the archaeological museum and admire the architecture
Aix-les-Bains has been a renowned spa town way back to the Roman times. Refresh in the bright green, mineral-rich waters of the Thermes Chevalley, the town’s main thermal baths.
Experiencing GenevaSpectacular hiking and city sightseeing
Hike, mountain bike or catch the cable car to the top of Mont-Salève, a mountain of the French Prealps where Mary Shelley’s monster fled in her famous novel Frankenstein. From Geneva, you can catch the number eight bus to the mountain trail, which starts near the cable car station. You’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views over France and Switzerland after a steady climb.
Geneva’s picturesque streets, cafés and museums will also keep you busy. Walk through the botanical gardens, eat and drink up the picturesque Molard Tower and see St Pierre Cathedral.
