Walking in the Alps

With cooler days and clear blue skies, it’s been perfect weather for walking here in Les Gets. There was one peak in particular that we were keen to reach – Le Marcelly – which we see every day from the chalet, across the valley.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

So one morning we made the decision to go, and took with us our friends from the chalet, a picnic and a map, and drove the short distance to the small resort village of Praz de Lys in the foothills of Le Marcelly.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

The climb was steep in places, and took us across fields of autumn crocuses, past a lake high up in the mountain and onto the long ridge that leads up to the summit.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

There we sat and had our picnic lunch, over-looking the 1200m drop to the valley below.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

We then followed the ridge along, with beautiful views into a hazy distance, and scrambled on our hands and feet for the last leg of our ascent.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

At the peak, we had a wonderful 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains: Absolutely breathtaking, and just so beautiful.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

The route down seemed even harder on our knees and thighs than coming uphill, taking us through pretty wooded areas and down steep rocky paths. With the hard work behind us and the van parked only a mile or so away, we stopped to relax next to a pretty mountain stream, where we soaked our feet in the freezing cold water, and polished off the remainder of the sandwiches.

Walking in Les Gets, the French Alps

It’s been great to do another long walk in this lovely area, and we would certainly recommend this one to our future summer guests. As for Jim and I, it now feels good to think ‘Been there, done that’ when we look out of the window!