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The Chablais Alps

The flowers & mountains of Morzine

South of Evian on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), the landscape begins a rapid and relentless rise through the quiet Pré-Alpes of the Chablais region on their way towards the majestic massif of the Mont Blanc range. From the wooded hills and vineyards of the Bas-Chablais on the shores of the lake to the forests and high summits of the Haut Chablais, this is remarkable walking country. Our route begins in the heart of the Haut Chablais at the pretty alpine town of Morzine, from where you will enjoy the splendid scenery of the Northern Alps, stay in welcoming traditional hotels and sample the best in local cuisine.

Nights: 7
Grade: 2-3
Terrain: mountain paths, forests & meadows
Hotels: two 2-star hotels; two 3-star hotels
Meals: dinner & breakfast each day, plus 3 picnics
Climate: warm sunny days and fresh on the upper slopes

Morzine

Hotel l'Abbaye, Abondance

Les Gentianettes, La Chapelle d'Abondance

A typical farmhouse

Wooded slopes rise to high peaks

Starting point: Le Dahu (3*), Morzine. You are welcomed warmly by charming host Benoit Heu, a keen walker, to this traditional chalet-style hotel complete with a pool.

Day 1: there are various options for your day in Morzine; Benoit will be happy to discuss the different possibilities with you. (up to 20km)

Accommodation: Le Dahu (as above)

Day 2: after a short transfer, you head north to Abondance, one of several villages in the area that are cumulatively called Les Portes du Soleil. (14.5km)

Accommodation: Hotel L’Abbaye (2*), Abondance. A simple, family-run inn in the centre of this historic village.

Day 3: today’s walk takes you up the Col de la Plagne and around Mont Chauffé to La Chapelle d’Abondance. (11.5km)

Accommodation: Hotel Les Gentianettes (2*), La Chapelle d'Abondance. Enjoy the charming and friendly ambience of this alpine chalet-style hotel which is complemented by the fine regional cuisine of the hotel’s two restaurants, one of which specialises in local cheese dishes, including alpine fondue and tasty raclette.

Day 4: we recommend a number of routes for your day in La Chapelle d’Abondance: climb the challenging Cornettes de Bise or head for Mont de Grange, home to one of France’s few ibex reserves. You may also spot marmots, chamois and golden eagles and, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with views over Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains beyond. For a less strenuous option, enjoy a pleasant stroll to Lac d’Arvoin.

Accommodation: Hotel Les Gentianettes (as above)

Day 5: today you walk to Châtel. (12km)

Accommodation: Hotel Macchi (3*), Châtel. Monsieur Macchi is a fine chef and his inspirational gastronomic flair matches the style and elegance of this comfortable hotel, complete with an indoor pool and panoramic terrace.

Day 6: we provide notes for a circuit to the pretty Swiss town of Morgins just over the border, or you can choose from over 90km of waymarked paths that will take you into the surrounding countryside from Châtel. Many chairlifts are open during the summer months allowing you to reach the heights effortlessly for exhilarating ridge walking. (up to 17km)

Accommodation: Hotel Macchi (as above)

Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.

Combine routes: combine this holiday with our Around the Vaudoise Alps walk in Switzerland to make a thrilling two-week Alpine Experience.

Take the Train and break your journey for a night in Paris on the way. Stay at one of our favourite Parisian hotels. Read one traveller's experiences in her personal travel diary.

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system.

Similar holidays: Aravis Alps to Lake Annecy (grade 2-3), The Vaudoise Alps (grade 2-3), The Bernese Oberland (grades 2 & 3), The Mountains of the Auvergne (grade 3), The High Dolomites (grades 2 & 3), Villages of the Engadine (grades 2 & 3), Zell am See - Austria's Alpine Heartland (grade 2-3)

Prices & travel 2008:

Recommended destination airport: Geneva
Latest flight arrival time: flexible
Earliest flight departure time: flexible
*Connecting travel: return rail/taxi from Geneva (out 1h20/home 2h10) £72pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
By rail includes: Eurostar/TGV/regional rail via Paris & Geneva (out dep St Pancras 0925 /home dep Aigle 1042). Please note that a supplement may be payable depending on availability of seats for your chosen dates of travel and how far in advance of your departure date your holiday booking is made
Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais
Start: any day

Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):

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