Here’s a selection of Gessian nuggets where you can find the kind of natural freshness you’ve been dreaming of… Something to keep the whole family occupied without suffering from the heat.
So, are you ready for some cool leisure activities?
A little fan?
Your body liquefies at the slightest exit. So you find yourself longing for a breeze, a breath or better still… a gust of wind?
Ride the zip lines at the refreshing Menth’évasion adventure park. The park was built three years ago in perfect harmony with the surrounding forest and in the heart of nature. Sheltered under the trees, put on your helmet, strap yourself in and let the thrills begin on the giant zip lines (+250m) and on the 100% zip line course: no less than nine descents in a row in the cool of the woods with a superb view over Menthières.
And of course, there are the three tree climbing courses of increasing difficulty for all you big kids (no fewer than 56 workshops await you for a unique experience), and of course the super course for the little ones (size 90cm – 140cm) so you can watch your little one manage like a boss, and in complete safety!
So come and get some height, take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy some beautiful views.
Faster and faster! At the Col de la Faucille at 1323m, you’ll find the start of the summer toboggan run and the steepest zip line in France, all the way down to Mijoux. Come and (re) discover the Juraventure park, which has been refurbished this year, with seven zip lines and a continuous lifeline.
Living water
Can you hear that swirling water?
Stroll along the shady path beside it, sit on its banks under the thick branches of the trees and listen to the water dance on the pebbles, mingling with the laughter of the children… Close your eyes… The perfect place for a siesta. Don’t forget your yoga mat or picnic mat, and a small bag for any rubbish! A few tables and benches are available.
Head to Lélex to (re) discover the “wild river” of the Valserine, which flows through the valley that bears its name, one of the jewels of the Pays de Gex.
And at Naz Dessous (Echenevex), you can enjoy the cool waters of the Allondon in a green setting.
Free parking nearby (three access points, from steep to very gentle, to the resurgences of the Allondon).
To preserve the wild beauty of the sites, litter bins are available (car parks).
Always more water! Head to the beautiful Etang de Cessy, with its fitness trail around a stretch of water of almost three hectares, its secluded pétanque area, and plenty of places to put your fishing rod and enjoy the peace and quiet of the place. Fishing permits are on sale at the Gex Tourist Office for €10 per rod.
Artist or intellectual?
Extremely cool…
You don’t necessarily feel like a soldier? But the thick, cold stone of this fort built into the side of a hill attracts you… And you’re right to take the plunge, as it’s sure to keep you cool!
At an average temperature of 18° natural, you’ll love the varied exhibitions on the themes of storms and lightning, and the Fort’s fascinating little bats.
The ice palace
As you know, there are always exciting exhibitions on at Voltaire. This is the perfect opportunity to see the surprising “Chambre des merveilles”, a whole universe in the cool basement of the château…
Don’t know what to read?
Ahh, the holidays…. Children laughing, playing and being bored.
But how do you keep them occupied? At the superb Chatelard multimedia library, for example, why not take the opportunity to settle down in the cool of the day on one of the welcoming footstools, which invite you to do just one thing: devour the thriller or novel that your librarian will be able to recommend, and which will take you to the tundra on the edge of the globe, to an ice floe, or to whatever white paradise you’d like to escape to… While your eldest child devours the new mortal Adèle or the latest One piece manga. An area dedicated to the very young for read-alouds, astonishing animations, an innovative digital area and constantly updated DVD releases are sure to win over even the most recalcitrant.
Almost all libraries have air conditioning. And most reading corners are full of great discoveries to be made.
Vote for your favourite novel for the Entre lignes literary prize in November. More information in libraries.
What about out and about?
Here are our team’s suggestions for a refreshing walk:
- Sector Mijoux- La Vattay
Between La Faucille and La Vattay a cool, shady path between canyons, a real refuge from the heat!
After taking the art trail, a charming little nook reveals itself, next to the murmur of the Ondine, a stream that flows down from La Faucille to Mijoux. A lovely spot to relax in the shade - Vésegnin – Saint Genis Pouilly sector
The ‘Alice’ stage of the Big Bang passport is in the shade, a good idea for a bike/pedestrian ride on the plain. The air is much fresher here than in the city, so you can feel the difference. - Gex and Farges sectors
A walk in the shade? The Creux de l’Envers in Gex, of course, and the Pierre à Baptiste in Farges.
As you can see, there are a thousand things to do, see, listen to, smell and discover to refresh yourself in our beautiful region. And if you’re short of ideas, come and meet us – we’ll find something for you!
Thematics
