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Simply Savoie

Guided walking – snowshoeing – via ferrata in the French Alps with Mark Tennent

Mark

Cycling around Lac d’Annecy

After a morning completing my French tax return I needed a break!

I set off from my home towards Annecy, passing by the edge of Albertville, Ugine and then picking up the cycle track that uses the old railway line.? Soon I was at Doussard and watching some paragliders coming into land.

Rather than continue on the cycle path I followed the road through some small villages before meeting the track again.? There were people sunbathing on the grass beaches close to the lake; it was in the 30’s but I didn’t see poeple in the water.

I reached Annecy which was thronged already and threaded my way carefully through the centre.? Unfortunately after leaving Annecy there’s no cycle path but I cut off on to some little side roads between the lake and the main road to find some peace and quiet.

At Echarvines there were countless paragliders in the sky under the Dents de Lanfons.? A new section of cycle path is in the process of construction on the narrow, steep road that drops down to Talloires.

The lake shimmered in the sun but now back with the traffic I needed to keep my concentration on vehicles coming up fast from behind.

Finally, I was back at Doussard and picked up the outward route for the return home.? 120 km and beautiful weather and scenery.

Towards the Col de la Madeleine, Savoie

The majority of the big cols (passes) in the French Alps are still closed to traffic due to the winter’s snows not yet being cleared.? With the abundance of snow this winter the openings have been delayed although the Col de Glandon opened at the end of the week.

Pat and I decided to cycle towards the Madeleine, not with the intention of crossing it back to get some exercise and benefit from the quiet road with no through traffic.

The entire climb to the Madeleine is 26 km and the first section rising up in a series of hairpins from Feissons-sur-Isere is quite steep.? After this a turn to the right for the village of Pussy sees an easing in the angle and a chance to relax.? The next village is that of Bonneval en Tarentaise, clinging to the steep hillside.

We could see the new chairlift that connects Cellier with Valmorel and just as we approached a heavy, thundery shower saw us head for some cover that the departure point of the lift could provide.? Thankfully it passed in about 5 minutes and we climbed the last couple of 100m’s to the village.? Sadly the hotel was closed, so no chance to drink or eat something here.

A long descent ensued apart from the tiny “faux plat” before Bonneval.? Down in the valley we soon warmed up and the final climb back to Le Villard had the legs working once more. Always the sting in the tail when I leave from home.

The Rateau d’Aussois and the Col de la Masse, Vanoise

Last weekend saw me in the Vanoise National Park. The first day I left from the Refuge de l’Orgere and headed up to the Col de la Masse (2900m). On the way up I saw a herd of ibex (bouquetin) and stopped to take some photographs. There’s still large quantities of snow lying from c. 2500m and early in the morning I had to kick steps with the edge of my boots to make a secure ?foothold?.

Once at the Col I was looking down into the Fond d’Aussois with the Dent Parrachee opposite. I spotted a couple of ptarmigan (lagopede) take flight, still with the remnants of their winter plumage. Since it was still only midday I decided that I should take in the nearby summit of the Rateau d’Aussois (3100m). The climb up was rocky especially since I was avoiding the hard patches of neve but I soon gained the summit without any dramas. Looking to the south the mountains of the Ecrins imposed themselves and closer to home the Aiguilles d’Arves three distinct summits were easy to pick out.

The descent was fun from below the col as the sun had thawed the surface layer of snow to make it ideal for a standing glissade. It was just like skiing only with very short skis; pole plants and ?short swings? using the edges of my boots to turn. Approaching the first trees I could smell the aroma of pine and the dwarf rhodendrons reddy-pink flowers provided a wonderful contrast with the bright greens of the larch trees. I went down the path past a 300 year old pine stump to the Refuge Aiguille Doran to chat with the guardienne about upcoming tours of the Vanoise.

Back now to the Refuge de l’Orgere to enjoy a cool beer on the terrace. A wonderful day.

A moment by Talloires, Lac d’Annecy

It’s a beautiful day today in #Savoie #France. Blue skies, and a pleasant freshness in the air. I’ve stopped off for the ritual of a caf? at Talloire, close to the shores of the lake. I’m on my wAy to Geneva airport to meet people for the Tour de la Vanoise and will set off tomorrow. Passing #Albertville there’s loads of cyclist with the Tour de France leaving from the town on the 12th. ? bientot Mark

In the Vanoise – Refuge l’Arpont

I’m currently at the Refuge de l’Arpont in the Vanoise National Park enjoying the hospitality of Valerie. Last night at the Col de la Vanoise where we saw 20 plus ibex. Today.cloudless blue skies as we passed below the glaciers. This evening we saw two Chamois close to the hut. Tomorrow we head for the refuge du Dent Parrach?e above Aussois.

Col de Chaviere & Refuge Peclet Polset

The last few days in the Vanoise have been superb. Great weather and great company too. Today we walked from the refuge Aiguille Doran via the Col de Chaviere. At the Doran we were treated to excellent food and hospitality. The cloud parted as we reached the Col and we could see the Ecrins to the south and Mont Blanc to the north. The Pointe de l’Echelle was our close companion as we decended to the refuge.