French Alps

Our base for this walking tour in August, 2009, was a lovely chalet in Sixt Fer a Cheval, Haute Savoie, 74740. To see more: www.SixtAlpineChalet.com. Sean, Liam and Linda were our helpful and knowledgeable hosts.

The chalet has four en suite bedrooms, a large lounge/dining room and well-equipped kitchen. We chose self-catering--a bakery and small grocery in the nearby village--because we had several GREAT cooks. The sunsets from the balcony were stunning.

Our first day was a hike from Servoz to a mountain-top restaurant for lunch with another incredible view. We also walked from Le Lavancher to a waterfall.

The second day was the longest and hardest walk to the top of the alp. There is a dairy famous for its cheese and remote location above the timberline but the gravel road is not easy walking. Hiking sticks recommended!

We did our big shopping in Samoens after exploring the Botanical Gardens and wonderful shops there. We walked from Cascade du Rouget to Chalet du Lignon to Cascade de la Sauffaz de Pleureuse de Sales.

The end of our most beautiful valley was surrounded by waterfalls: Cirque du Fer a Cheval. There is a Reserve Naturelle, a bar and restaurant and picnic tables in a large clearing. We walked to le fond de la combe until rain discouraged us.

It is definitely a place to return and walk further.

From our chalet we walked down to the river and followed it toward Samoens, through a gorge and a tiny village before turning around.

There is an old abbey in the village of Sixt waiting for renovation but an exhibit there allowed us to see the once-beautiful wood-paneled dining room.

Three of us went parapunting with the birds in Morillon, a breathtaking climax to a wonderful week. Many thanks to Hrothgar and Emily who planned it.