Today’s choice was a walk up to Chalet Le Chapeau above Le Lavancher, which just a bit further down valley from Argentière. Whilst it would have been possible to use either the train (to La Joux) or the bus, or even walk down by the river to Le Lavancher, we gave the car a rare outing and drove there.
Pick up the path heading up into the forest at the top of the village and follow the signs. Depending on who you believe, its either 50 mins or 1hr 10 mins to Le Chapeau. I suspect a good pace would see you there a lot quicker than that, but if you’ve got a tired 4 year old in tow, its really hot, and you’ve got to stop and catch ants to look at in the bug viewer, allow a bit longer!
The chalet sits on the hillside overlooking the source de l’arveyon, and was allegedly the path of choice for the Victorians coming to look at the (then) larger Mer de Glace, before the coming of Montenvers and the transfer of traffic to the other flank. With a panorama looking up the snout of the glacier, round to Chamonix town in the valley below, round to La Flegere and the Aiguille Rouge peaks, the chalet is a stunning spot. What’s more, its really quiet, very friendly and there’s some great food at very (extraordinarily) reasonable prices. Sam and I recommend the tarte framboise!
Its only half an hour (bugs permitting) back to the car. Time for that elusive ice cream in Argentière (none at the chalet!) before heading back to the apartment to hit the pool in the heat of the late afternoon sun.
We saw quite a bit of the pool yesterday. In fact, with blue skies and rising temperatures we didn’t stray far from it all day.
Well, we were due a rest after Wednesday’s walk down from the top station of the telepherique at La Flegere. The path doesn’t start off too well, being quite steep as it descends the winter ski run. However, once close to the last uplift chair it detours away from the wide track into the woods and becomes a very pleasant track with a steady gradient. The cover of the trees keeps it cool, while the odd clearing allows for some great views down to Chamonix town and, of course, across to the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.
Look out for the path heading across to Chalet La Floria. Another improbable chalet location clinging to the hillside above the valley. One minute, a steady path through a steep forest, next minute tables, parasols, flowers galore, tarte myrtilles, cold beer and a great view to ponder while you take a wee break from another hectic day.
And while we’re on the subject of great places to take a break and enjoy something to eat and/or drink, seek out the Hotel La Prairie in Les Bois. Not really somewhere you’ll stumble across while out in the car, but ideally located if you’re following the mountain bike routes, or the easier walks, heading out from Chamonix. Try a Café Gourmand. It’ll give you a bit of a buzz!
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