by Diane M. Covington

e felt as though we’d tumbled into The Sound of Music. We were hiking up lush green hills carpeted with tiny blue and violet wild flowers, with views of snow capped mountain peaks jutting into the clear blue skies. Cowbells tinkled around fat cows’ necks as they munched grass alongside a rushing stream.
We were off on a romantic holiday, hiking the French Alps as part of outdoor programs set up especially for Americans, with English speaking guides.

After a morning of hiking above Chamonix, we stopped at a quaint chalet where the smell of a rich cheese casserole greeted us. We put our feet up and relaxed on the sunny deck, sipping a frosty local beer with our delicious casserole. For dessert, there was a luscious cherry tart.

After our afternoon hike, just as the sun was setting, we arrived at our evening ‘refuge,’ or mountain chalet, where we were to spend the night. A crackling fire greeted us, along with a warm welcome from our hosts. After a hot shower, we all congregated near the fire for a glass of chilled champagne and some conversation before dinner.

Dinner was a bubbling fondue made with local fresh cheeses just procured from the cows we passed on our way up the mountain that morning. We dunked just-baked baguettes into the melted cheese, and added a local ‘Cotes-du-Rhone’ wine to complement the meal.

If you lose your bread in the fondue, the local custom is to sing a song. We all sang heartily, fueled by the great wine and fun atmosphere. Then we fell into bed in our private room, after some stargazing at the Milky Way. We were nestled in the high mountains and the night sky was popping with stars.

We were nestled in the high mountains and the night sky was popping with stars.

These special hiking vacations, where you can stop for a scrumptious lunch and then spend nights along the trail in mountain chalets, allow you to hike days, carrying just your day pack. Your luggage is transported for you, from chalet to chalet. All you have to do is hike, enjoy yourself, and look forward to a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a great night’s sleep at the end of the day. Your English speaking guide will keep you safe and on track.

On a recent trip, we took hikes out of the towns of Chamonix, Megève and Pralognan. From Chamonix, some visitors opt to take a seven-day ‘tour de Mont Blanc.’ We opted for shorter hikes in different places, rather than one long hike. The food and ambiance were French.

Many of the alpine villages in the Alps offer not only day hikes and overnight excursions, but also biking, tennis, golf, canyoning, rock climbing and paragliding.

Hiking in the French Alps is a romantic adventure you will never forget.

French Rhone Alps Tourist Information: www.rhonealpes-tourisme.com.

Diane M. Covington is a Sacramento-based travel writer.

Return to: Recent articles, Top, Home.