Sunday morning, 9.30am, rucksack with hot drinks and picnic. We’re determined to get some fresh mountain air at La Vattay!
Off to a flying start at La Vattay!
We’re off with our boys, aged 9 and 10, to the Nordic site at La Vattay, well known for its cross-country skiing area. But today we decided simply to go for a walk (the circuit can also be done on snowshoes). We’d already tried circuits 1 and 2. So we thought we’d try No. 3, which promises an exceptional view. The sun’s out, the sky’s blue, we’re in for a treat.
After a 10-minute walk from the last car park, we went to the ticket office to buy our pedestrian passes. And off we go!
We started out in the undergrowth to reach the snow-covered plateau. There was a light northerly wind that day, but we were well dressed. We skirted the Vattay cross-country ski runs, sometimes crossing them. Above all, we admired the scenery all around us.
The silence, the nature, the snow glistening in the sun, how lucky we are to be here. At the crossroads, the boys were a little reluctant to go any further. But after a short break and a good dose of motivation, we decided to start climbing the Gélinotte circuit. This is a famous route in the Vattay Nordic area. Yes, it’s a bit of a climb, but the view of the roof of Europe is well worth it!
A panorama worth seeing
We climbed at our own pace (well, mainly the boys’!). Once we got to the top, the panorama was breathtaking: the sky was clear and we could see Mont Blanc, the Alps and a little bit of Lake Geneva. The view is exceptional, and it was well worth the climb. The boys are enjoying the view, and especially the little bumps around them where they can do a bit of sliding. Oh dear, they’re not tired any more :-).
It’s time to recharge your batteries. What could be more beautiful than a picnic facing the roof of Europe! Ah, we can’t get enough of the scenery!
After our lunch break, we set off again along the path marked out with yellow stakes and return to the car. It’s 3pm and time to return to the plain of the Pays de Gex. At the Col de la Faucille, Mont Blanc is once again in front of us, and we’ll be seeing it for most of the descent from the pass. Many cars have stopped at the Pailly bend to take in the splendid panorama.
Back home, we think we’re incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful destination!
Thematics
