Another beautiful sunny day in Savoie, French Alps today.? After meeting Andrew & Tom at the Hotel Costaroche in Albertville we set off into the Beaufortain.? The Beaufortain is an area that keeps an authentic charm due to its farming and in particular the production of Beaufort cheese.? After picking up some fresh bread from the boulangerie we drove up past the Lac de Roselend and reach the Plan de Lai at the foot of the Roc du Vent.
Leaving the car we crossed the stream and walked up for about 30 minutes to the start of the route.? The first section follows steep slabs and corners before arriving on a large grassy area at the top of the Roc du Vent.? We spotted edelweiss growing as well as Aster des Alpes.? Time for a short break and to take in the views both over the Lac de Roselend and past the Col de Bonhomme and on to the bulk of Mont Blanc.
A short down-climb lead to the “canyon” where short steep tower gives access to one of the routes highlights, a Nepal bridge across a gap in a spectacular situation.? Time for lunch now and we enjoyed cheese, fresh tomatoes and some fruit compotes.? There was even time for a short siesta lying on the grass.? Finally we set off once more to start the twisting descent, occasionally still protected by cables, to the start of the tunnel.? Getting out the headtorch we entered the tunnel that goes through the mountain to emerge in the sunshine again.? A last descent back to the car after a great day.