Family walks and the outdoor pool!

Back in the apartment in Argentière again, having driven from the 850 miles or so from very near to Land’s End, having had a couple of weeks on the beach on our way south.


Despite the long journey and some less than welcoming weather on arrival on Sunday we were champing at the bit for some fresh air and exercise. Most of our visits so far have either been to do specific things in the summer, or to ski during the winter, so we are keen to explore the Chamonix valley.

Monday 14th July – Short walks near Argentière

Whilst the clouds and rain were still clearing I headed out for a quick run. And what a great little route it turned out to be. There’s a track following the bank of the river at the bottom of the village, and I took this warming up on the gentle downhill gradient close to the village of La Joux. There’s a footbridge over the River Arve here and then the first of the climbing back up to Le Lavancher. From here you pick up the Petit Balcon Nord and a great undulating path back to Argentière through the trees. Cracking 45 min outing!


The weather continued to improve and by mid afternoon the sun was making a most welcome appearance. For a gentle introduction for Sam and Jodie’s little legs we left the car in Le Tour and walked back to Argentière along the Petit Balcon Nord to Le Planet, and then followed the path down into the back of Argentière itself. A really pleasant walk, mostly downhill and great for an hour or two of fresh air. And this did of course mean that I had to get the mountain bike out and bike back up for the car afterwards. Any excuse! The easier way, especially if you’re without a car, is to make use of the local bus service and take the bus up to Le Tour.


Tuesday15th July – The Argentière Glacier


And so onto bigger (and higher) things. A quick ride on the Lognan telepherique at the Grand Montets and you’re at 2000m before you know it. From the top station, we followed the track out left towards the Argentiere Glacier, heading for the Point de Vue. (See walk no. 29 in “Mont Blanc Walks” by Hilary Sharp).


Although there’s a bit of height to gain, even 4 year old Sam managed it to the Glacier without too much difficulty. We opted for the more scenic and more challenging variation from the first viewpoint of the glacier by the tunnel entrance. Slightly challenging for little legs but with a firm grip on little hands and the occasional shove up a big boulder step and we made it to the viewpoint. A great spot to break out the packed lunch and take in the sun and the spectacular mountain views up the Argentière glacier. A slightly sobering thought in that the last time I walked up here was something like 22 years ago, heading for a climb up the NE face of Les Courtes.


The prospect of ice creams at the Refuge de Lognan tempted us to take an alternative route down. Nice though it was, we would probably have been better with the original plan of taking the path down to Les Chosalets as walking down the home run, the Pierre a Ric was tougher than envisaged as due to the rocky conditions underfoot. However, two 6 year olds and a 4 year old managed it quite admirably with barely a grumble.


Back at the apartment, the sun was still on the swimming pool. Needless to say it was sheer bliss after 6 hours on the go. Very satisfying to splash around in the pool and cast an eye up to the Refuge where just a short while before we’d been devouring ice creams.

Wednesday 16th July – Trains & Ice Caves

After yesterday’s exertions we felt obliged to take it a bit easier. Having been pestered to visit the ice caves at Montenvers on the Mer de Glace on the last 2 ski trips and successfully avoided it, now was the time to finally succumb to Jodie’s demands.


Again leaving the car behind, we took the train down to Chamonix and paid across large sums of Euros for the obligatory train ride up to Montenvers. Sunny spot, cracking views and a bit busy. And a notable lack of seats to sit down on. To escape the crowds we walked along the path away from the mayhem for a short while and found a nice quiet sunny spot with big mountain views to break out the packed lunch.


The trip down to the ice cave on the Mer de Glace glacier, first on the gondola and then on the elevated walkways and staircases was pleasant enough, and a big thrill for the kids. However, I have to say that the cave itself was a bit of a let down. If you’ve seen some of the ice sculptures to be found elsewhere, then the offerings here were a little, ... well, …pathetic.


Still, a cracking day out in the Chamonix valley that keeps the children happy, and we were back in the apartment in good time for another swim in the pool. A great way to wind down at the end of another busy day.