Summer walking – Samoëns and Beyond
With the arrival of summer we’ve been out exploring the area, improving our knowledge of the local hiking trails in order that we can provide our guests with first-hand knowledge of walk times, track conditions and the best places to see wild flowers and also the local wildlife!
We have a number of favourite routes that we’ve revisited again this year including walks to the refuges of Golèse, Sales, Fonts, Folly and Gers as well as back to one of our favourite mountain restaurants, the Refuge L’Igloo, at the top of Morillon. With the late snowfall this winter the wild flowers are blossoming later than normal so now is a beautiful time to head up into the mountains to see the fabulous displays of azaleas, lilies and many different varieties of wild orchids.
We are always on the lookout for new walks and on the recommendation of one of our recent cycling guests we drove round to the village of Mont Caly in the Portes du Soleil region. Located just 30 minutes from Samoëns on the western slopes above Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil the village is the starting point for a number of walks including a beautiful walk along the ridgeline up to Mont Chery.
On a clear day the ridge affords stunning views of the Mont Blanc range, the town of Les Gets nestled in the valley below and of the Portes du Soleil ski area. From the top of Mont Chery you can take a loop track via the picturesque Col de l’Encrenaz before heading back to Mont Caly where your efforts are rewarded with a visit to the Restaurant les Chevrelles. Enjoy a glass of something chilled, relaxing on the terrace overlooking the amazing panoramas – a perfect post-hike hydration stop!
The Fete du Lac Annecy is a must if you happen to be in the area the first Saturday in August. We visited for the first time this year. See our separate blog on this amazing pyrotechnic sound and light show!
We’ll continue our exploration and keep you posted of any new ‘finds’ we think you’ll love!
