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.
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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.
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.
Hike to Cascade du Nant Trouble, Gorge des Usses & Pont de la Caille
Last fall, starting from Andilly not far from Col du Mont Sion, I walked through Cascade du Nant Trouble, Gorge des Usses (visiting the Bains de la Caille there) and Pont de la Caille.
Ruins of Bains de la Caille
The Bains de la Caille (Baths of La Caille) are former thermal baths, now lying in ruins at the bottom of Gorge des Usses below the Ponts de la Caille, between Cruseilles and Allonzier-la-Caille in Haute-Savoie. There have been baths on the site since the middle ages, because of the presence of a source of sulfur water. However, the modern Bains were built in the mid-19th century. It drew customers from Annecy and Geneva and there was extensive construction done over the years, including a hotel, a church and even a casino. The Bains closed for good in 1960. Most of the buildings have been dismantled it seems but, for some reason, the building containing swimming pools is still standing today. There is also a small metal bridge (which is kinda falling apart) to cross the Usses river near the swimming pool building, as well as ruins here and there on both sides of the river.
Visiting the Bains is officially forbidden and dangerous (apparently there is a risk of rockfall from the cliff above) but the ban is not really enforced and the path is not blocked very convincingly. The most direct way to come is by hiking down from the Ponts de la Caille (Bridges of La Caille), on the Allonzier side: There is a steep road with many switchbacks that goes to a large bridge over the Usses and then to the Bains nearby. However, erosion over the years and lack of maintenance have transformed it into more of a trail (barely passable at one point). There is also an easier path from the mouth of Gorge des Usses: This is the one I took on the way in, hiking from Copponex (I used the direct road to the Ponts on the way out). I will post more details about that hike in a few days.
Hike to Crêt de Chambellon & Source du Biel (Faverges)
Last fall, I went on a hike in Faverges, south of Lake Annecy: I walked up to the summit of Crêt de Chambellon, a small mountain that overlooks the town, then walked along the Eau Morte river, making a detour to the Source du Biel, which used to provide drinking water to Faverges.
Fox & Chamois in Mont Veyrier
I met this fox today, while walking on a trail in the forest below Mont Veyrier. It didn’t seem too afraid.
Hike to L'Arolette, Tête de Balme & Glacier du Tour
Last fall, I went back to Chamonix, in the Balme-Vallorcine area: I walked up L’Arollette and Tête de Balme (which are mountains in Switzerland) then took a trail down along Glacier du Tour.
Fort du Saint-Eynard
I mentioned in my last post that last fall I visited Fort du Saint-Eynard in the Chartreuse mountains above Grenoble. It is a fortress built in the 19th century as defence against a potential Italian invasion. It is accessible by car but there are also multiple hiking trails to get there. It offers a great view on Grenoble and the surrounding mountains.
Hike to Mont Saint-Eynard: From Col de Porte to Col de Vence
At the beginning of fall, I went on a hike to Mont Saint-Eynard, in the Chartreuse mountains above Grenoble.