Culture & Gastronomy Published on 29/12/2023
Summer is well and truly over! Forget about barbecues and al fresco drinks… It’s time for Gexiflettes, fondue and other cheesy delights. There’s so much in store in autumn…
Here in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort, we love autumn. And we’re going to make you fall in love with the season too! Join us and live like a local. There’s lots on here! What with outings and walks, you won’t have time to get bored.
Here are 3 ideas to make the most out of autumn:
Explore the mountain
Do you enjoy leisurely walks and Sunday strolls? Well, you’re going to love them even more in autumn. The landscapes turn into film where trees glow yellow, orange and red. How about the light on set? You can’t beat the sunsets this time of year, especially in Monts Jura. With a little luck, you’ll be able to see Mont Blanc and watch the likes flood in on your socials.
We recommend these mountain routes to soak up nature’s show-stopper.
The Chezery-Forens hike for keen ramblers – Follow in the footsteps of smugglers to explore La Valserine Valley and the ridges in a chocolate box setting. It takes 8.5 hours on average.
If you enjoy the occasional walk, you can feast your eyes on the river during a stroll on the banks of La Valserine. Set off from Pont de Ruffy (a fantastic bridge!) on the way out of Lélex. You’re just a 15 minute walk from the river!
If you’re an early bird, we recommend watching the sunrise from Petit Mont Rond. Some of the best views in Europe are yours for the taking just 45 minutes from Col de la Faucille. Yes, you need to get up early but it’s well worth it. 😍
Soak up heritage in autumn
The scenery isn’t the only thing to get glammed up for autumn… Our monuments like Château de Voltaire get in on the action too. Our favourite château melts into its natural surroundings. A stroll in the grounds to feast your eyes on the colourful flowers and leaves is pure joy. On clear days you can see Mont Blanc if you sit on the little wooden bench and gaze out at the view.
If you fancy it, step inside the château for a little tour too. It’s open all year and ideal in autumn.
When it comes to built heritage, we’re really spoilt in the Pays de Gex. There’s no way you can miss the local fountains if you stay here. One of the most famous is the 4 Goulettes Fountain in Gex. It has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1929. We recommend the Gex history trail introducing you to the town’s fantastic heritage and its signature fountains with 35 information boards.
Get your Christmas shopping done early with local crafts
We’re all the same, nobody enjoys the chaos in the shops as soon as December starts. But there is one solution… Get ahead of the game and do your shopping now! Go one better: shop local and give the gift of Gex crafts. It’s far more meaningful and original. What do you say?
We have some amazing craft shops where you can pick up something to treat someone special… or yourself.
For anyone who loves jewellery
We’ll see you in Mijoux at Trabbia Vuillermoz, a jewellery shop that opened in 1946. This jeweller uses its wealth of expertise to provide everything you could wish for, from costume to premium jewellery. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for whether it be silver or gold jewellery, jewels or gemstones, necklaces, rings or bracelets!
Highlight: venture upstairs to delve into the history of being a lapidarist. Feast your eyes on a display of uncut and cut stones from all over the world alongside a selection of period tools used by lapidarists in the Haut Jura.
For anyone who loves pampering
Emmanuelle’s Savonnerie lies deep in La Valserine Valley and sells artisan-made “cold process” soap from natural and organic ingredients. Emmanuelle alone knows the secret recipes to protect and moisturise your skin naturally.
The hardest part is choosing! You’ll want them all!
For anyone who loves homeware
Let’s go to Valserhône to visit the Anvi glass workshop.
This workshop stands out in two areas, or rather, two specific glasswork techniques:
- Anne specialises in the pâte de verre technique, one of the oldest glass-making methods that first involves making a mould from refractory plaster.
- Vincent specialises in glass-blowing which Murano glass is famous for.
Each and every piece captures the passion that goes into making them. Take home a unique gift!
We hope that these ideas will help you embrace autumn and all its wonders. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be disappointed!
100% of the people who have tried these activities have loved them. 😉
