Richard and Angela Anderson

Self catered holidays in the heart of the Alps

Although the Abondance valley is now better known for its winter sports it is in the spring and summer that it is at its finest. Originally and still a farming community, La Chapelle d'Abondance is nestled at 1000 metres height on the side of a protected forest and mountain park. As the snow melts the flowers emerge and work their way up the mountains from May to July. As soon as it is warm enough the Abondance cows, famous for the local cheeses, emerge from their winter quarters and move slowly up to their summer pastures. Numerous well marked paths criss-cross the area , making it a haven for walkers and climbers.

Adventure sports have of course arrived too, so you can enjoy one of Europe's best mountain bike areas served by the winter ski lifts. On any calm day you will see, and can try, parapenting and could even land in our field. La Chapelle d'Abondance has its own Via Ferrata rock climb or you could try Chatel's Fantasticable, sliding 240 metres above the valley on 2.5 Kilometres of wire, and reaching speeds of 80 -  100 kph!! White water rafting is available from May to September.

There are tennis courts a short walk away, and a riding school can arrange treks in the forests. When in France you should try your hand at boules, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand, and there is always the possibility of relaxing in the garden or on the terrace and planning the BBQ. 

A short drive from here you can play golf on Evian's championship course, or try Les Gets or Verbier where you drive off from the top of a chair lift. A boat ride on Lake Leman, perhaps to the Olympic museum in Lausanne or the Jazz festival at Montreux,  is half an hour way.  Inside an hour there are several luxurious spa baths, two water parks, and several chateaus.

Day trips can take in the Swiss valleys and Italian lakes so there is never a shortage of things to do, but we do find most guests stay locally as the pace of life is reassuringly slow.  Local markets and fetes abound in the summer, though most have a cheesy or woody feel about them. The local or mountain restaurants can tempt you at lunch time or in the evening and there are numerous bars and cafes. My favourite, close to our house, brews its own beer!!

Summer Fete

Relaxing

Sports

Credit Photos J F Vuarand

Relais de la Dranse, La Pesse, La Chapelle d'Abondance,74360,France.

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