April 28, 2020

Parco Dora

Parco Dora is a large park in Turin designed by Latz+Partner and built on a former industrial wasteland, occupied in the past by factories that shut down in the 80’s. Its construction was part of an urban renewal programme launched in the late 90’s. The park was completed in 2012.

The park is characterized by its industrial past and spatially defined by the river Dora, by main traffic arteries and relatively new residential quarters. Corresponding to the former property lines the park has five separate areas whose functional differences and aesthetic impact are based on the quality of the industrial remains. Bridges, stairs and ramps connect the different parts of the park with each other and with the surrounding quarters.

April 27, 2020

Porta Palatina

The Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) is a Roman Age (1st century AD) city gate located in Turin, that used to provide access through the city walls from the North side.

April 25, 2020

My new hiking guide book: 25 randonnées autour du Lac d'Annecy

My new book is out and is available on Amazon! It was self-published through Amazon KDP and is called: 25 randonnées autour du Lac d’Annecy - Accessibles en transport en commun (25 hikes around Lake Annecy - Accessible with public transport). I finally received a proof copy yesterday (it took a while…) and I am pretty satisfied with how it came out.

Here is a sample PDF with a few hikes: Sample PDF. Also check out the companion web page for the book, with GPS tracks for download, as well as links to additional photos and alternate routes for the hikes.

April 21, 2020

Torino 2006 Winter Olympics: Olympic Arch, Olympic Village, Palavela

Turin held the 2006 Winter Olympics, although the mountains are not that close to the city: Ice-based sports were staged in the metropolitan centre, with snow-based events in the mountain regions. For the occasion, a number of buildings and infrastructures were built or refurbished. This includes the Olympic Arch and footbridge, as well as the Olympic Village, both built in the Lingotto neighbourhood of Turin. I also passed by the Palavela arena in the same area near Giardino Corpo Italiano di Liberazione.

April 19, 2020

Dome Observatory of Basilica di Superga

Basilica di Superga is an 18th-century church located at the top of the Superga hill above Turin. Its Royal Crypt is the burial place of the Savoy family (although earlier members were buried at the Hautecombe Abbey near Chambéry). The Basilica also has a dome with an outside observatory that offers a great view on Turin and the Alps.

April 16, 2020

Hike around Tête de la Cicle: Col du Joly, Col de la Cicle & Col de la Fenêtre

Last fall, I went on a walk around Tête de la Cicle, in the Beaufortain mountains near Mont Blanc: I started at Col du Joly and walked through Col de la Cicle and Col de la Fenêtre, two passes on opposite sides of Tête de la Cicle.

April 13, 2020

Walk along the Arve river: From Annemasse to La Jonction in Geneva

Last fall, I went on a walk along the Arve river, from Annemasse (Haute-Savoie) to La Jonction in Geneva.

April 12, 2020

I exist! (on Google Street View)

Last summer, while I was walking around in Annecy-le-Vieux, I saw a Google Street View car doing its thing. Since then, every couple of months, I had been checking that location on Google Maps for an update. After more than 6 months, it was finally updated recently and I am now officially on Google Street View! I appear on 3 photos.

April 3, 2020

Église Saint-Joseph (Annemasse)

Église Saint-Joseph is a catholic church in Annemasse build in the 1940’s based on a design by architect Dom Paul Bellot, who also designed Basilique Saint-Joseph-des-Fins in Annecy.

March 28, 2020

Hike to Mont Cornillon: From Ugine to Albertville

Last fall, starting in Ugine, I went on a hike to Mont Cornillon, a smaller mountain in the Beaufortain, then went down towards Albertville.