Different views of Lake GenevaLake at the foot of Grand Saint Bernard passLake at the foot of Grand Saint Bernard passMeltwater rushing into the lake at the foot of Grand Saint Bernard passEn route to Grand St Bernard passBourg St Pierre storehousesAncient barns in Bourg St Pierre
Another gushing waterfallSuch natural beautyMountain View’s but so coldSnow capped mountains heading towards the Great St Bernard PassGlorious Mountain View’s and clear but 4 degreesFollowing the trail from OrsieresOpposite the accommodation in OrsieresEntering OrsièresOrsièresViews on the way into OrsièresMore torrents of waterGlorious views of raging riversStarting to climb out of Martigny with Jake, Bill and AndreaDinner in with Andrea at MartignyView from the castle of MartignyMartigny hill top castleAncient hill top castle in MartignyMountain viewsClose up of the waterfallWaterfall en routeThis is the lifeA break in the cloudHeading to the mountains from Saint MauriceMorning view from Saint Maurice BasilicaMore Via Francigena materialVia Francigena map at Saint MauriceView from Saint Maurice basilica
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Coming into Saint MauriceBridge to MassongexTypical Swiss villagesBridge to MassongexStatue on Lake GenevaShores of Lake GenevaOld castle on Lake GenevaOld castle on Lake GenevaOne of the railway stations en route to the accommodationEvening cheese fondue in MontreuxFancy hotel in MontreuxAnother chateaux in MontreuxStriking silhouette over Lake GenevaView from the train in MontreuxView from the accommodation in MontreuxTaking the train to the accommodation in MontreuxHarbour at MontreuxSomeone’s odd house in MontreuxMore views of Lake GenevaDifferent views of Lake GenevaLake Geneva
Sunbathing in Lausanne
Lake GenevaCloud formation on Lake GenevaVillage outside Lausanne for breakfastSwimming on lake Geneva ?Steamer ship on Lake GenevaMore views of Lake Geneva
Funicular railway – seems like a good ideaThe yurtInside the yurtSwiss chaletMore Swiss towns
Swiss churchThomas from Austria sinking some beersRomainmotier-Envy town
Paul
Born to walk the world. Passionate to get out and meet people from all over the world, seek new understandings of how other people survive, their cultures and experience the excitement of trying new mouth watering dishes in new cuisines.
Friday 7 June 2024 St Croix to Romainmontier-Envy 27 kms. Virtually all downhill with a couple of steep short climbs which messed up all the clean washing ! A lot of walking through the woods and had to careful to watch out for branches and rocks on the steep slopes. It was a touch warmer today today but made quick progress and the VF proved beneficial over the road in most places. Some really pretty little villages en route, so happy to be in Switzerland at last, stunning views, precipitous rocky cliff faces and green fields with cows with bells clanging round their necks. Tried walking in the shade due to the increase in temperature without much benefit. Met up with a nice guy Thomas from Salzburg. He was much slower but only had 3 kms to go to our destination so happy to potter as it was only lunchtime. Went for a couple of beers (thanks Rosella – birthday present) with a really grumpy barman. Had a good laugh, Andrea turned up but the bar had closed. Made our way to the campsite and we are staying in a yurt. They are really friendly here and the sun is shining. Had an early ‘dinner’ and settled in for the night.
Saturday 8 June Romainmôtier-Envy to Lausanne, somewhere around 32 kms (forgot to unpause my watch after the excitement of having a McD’s vanilla frappe)! Nobody around at the campsite where we slept in the yurt so had to set off without paying and contact them to ask for bank details. Set out together, all starving as no breakfast and had to wait a while before we raided Coop and stuffed our faces like famished children. Hot apple strudel, Swiss chocolate croissants and butter croissants straight out the oven – it would be rude not to. Pushed on solo and it’s clear there is still snow on the mountains. The suburbs of Lausanne went on for a long time, it’s such a major city. Managed to get a milk shape (frappe) from McD’s which went down very well. Had a long steep climb to the church where we are staying. I didn’t get much response from the few people at the church but there were quite a few confirmations going on with everyone smartly dressed and me sat on the stairs in sweaty rags eating crumbs of crisps like a homeless person. They obviously felt sorry for me (or wanted me out of the way) but managed to get access. Following the confirmations, there was free food and wine available so four hungry pilgrims tucked in.
Sunday 9 June Lausanne to Montreux, approximately 33 kms. Walked down into Lausanne with Jake and said goodbye to Thomas who was returning to Salzburg. Walked on the VF for most of the day on the shores of Lake Geneva. The scenery was fantastic, snow on the mountains and everyone out exercising and relaxing. It was a very chilled atmosphere. There was an organised marathon event and the road was closed to cars (once a year) so we took full advantage. Stopped for some breakfast quite late on but worth waiting for. Stopped for ice cream later followed by a glass of renowned wine (all put on for the marathon) before Andrea turned up. Bill had gone on ahead like a racehorse and was well ahead. Arrived at Clarens, a suburb of Montreaux which was very chilled. Met Bill at Montreaux train station, had an Italian lunch and where we went up the hill to the accommodation. Before are departure, we had a tremendous thunderstorm with intense rain. The views were to die for as we went up and the accommodation is situated perfectly. The views are breathtaking all the way back down to the lake but it changes by the minute with passing cloud. We braved the rain and went to the Couscous restaurant for a cheese fondue tonight while we had the chance.
Carol White
Sounds like you are loving Switzerland .
Nice to be able to comment again 🙂 xxx
Monday 10 June Montreux to Saint Maurice approx 32 kms. Started out late as we had to wait for the hourly train and we’d had a night of rain and thick cloud. It cleared in Montreux town and I walked with Bill. Nice to see some more of the town and then I walked with Andrea for a bit. The walk was alongside the railway track and was a bit mundane but it then was alongside the raging ‘canal’, which was also a bit tedious. The surrounding mountains made up for it though and saw on a road sign there was only 67 miles to go to the St Bernard Pass. Checked in at the monastery for St Maurice, basic but nice accommodation. Bought food and cooked in tonight with Andrea.
Tuesday 11 June Saint Maurice to Monsigny short trip about 17 kms. Dry with glorious views of the surrounding mountains, a joy to be alive. A lot of road but walked with Jake and Bill after a while. Breakfast had been vey good at the Basilica so made good progress afterwards. The Australians were also heading to the same location. We arrived really early at Monsigny and after checking in, went for a walk around town and visited a circular tower up the hill, originally built BC. Bought some lunch and then concentrated on admin and visited the launderette. Bought pizza and salad in for the evening and ate with Andrea. The accommodation is in a cave/tunnel, a bit chilly but unusual.
Wednesday 12 June Monsigny to Orsières approx 21 kms. Had some real concerns with my left ankle which seems to have seized up and causing significant pain. Took Ibuprofen which seemed to help but had to take it easy as there was a lot of rough ground. Met up with the Aussies again and Jake’s cart broke. Cool but good day but some stiff inclines. Really beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air. I met an Aussie (Mike) from Newcastle and phoned Rosella as he knew the road she lived in. Caught up with Andrea and we walked on in to Orsières together. Bought food at the supermarket and rested the ankle as much as I could. Went out in the evening for a Pilgrims meal before returning to the full hostel at the church.
Tracey
Lovely photos of Switzerland Paul and it’s great reading your blog .
Keep enjoying yourself 😊
Tracey xx
Thursday 13 June Orsières to Bourg Saint Pierre, approximately 15 kms. Clear skies and instant tough climbing after leaving the village. All via Francigena tracks today which proved to be tough. It started out cold at 7 degrees (in just t shirt and shorts) and then dropped to 4 degrees which was very cold but still managed a heavy sweat with such steep inclines. Walked solo, Andrea decided to push on for the pass and Bill and Jake went by road. The scenery was amazing and the air so fresh and clean, cow bells ringing much of the time. The torrents of water rushing down the rivers from the mountain are just so powerful, you wouldn’t stand a chance if you fell in. Met with Jake and Bill at Liddes town but then separated again after our ‘breakfast’. Got pushed around by a boisterous bullock but no harm done. The snow capped mountains are so close now and the lush green valleys are in total contrast. Short but strenuous day and arrived more or less the same time as Jake and Bill at Bourg St Pierre. Managed to get admin done and went for late lunch in a hotel. Bought some bits in for an evening meal and sat and chatted with the Aussies who are also staying here.
Friday 14 June Bourg St Pierre to Grand St Bernard Col approximately 13 kms. A cold start awaited us with promise of intermittent snow and rain. I took the VF which was craggy and I needed to watch each footfall. The ankle feels better than the last couple of days so eager to continue the progress. Immediately dropped altitude followed by a steep climb. Lots of river crossings and muddy parts where the meltwater was flowing down the mountains. Some spectacular scenery and as I approached the snow line, huge slices of snow lie along the trail. My hands were so cold I was afraid to get my phone out in case I dropped it. I emerged on the road for the last few kms and faced a never ending twisting and turning road, climbing steeply and relentlessy with Bill and Jake. It seemed to go on forever and the leg muscles were burning. Head down and persevere. We eventually reached the destination for today where I tucked into vegetable soups, coffe and then tried unsuccessfully to check in (not till 1500) so back to a different restaurant for cheese and ham on bread and a beer.
Saturday 15 June Grand Saint Bernard to Echevennoz (Italy). After a delayed start, had breakfast and departed in pouring rain and cold. 400 metres from the Italian border so please check out the Italian post from hereon in.
Friday 7 June 2024 St Croix to Romainmontier-Envy 27 kms. Virtually all downhill with a couple of steep short climbs which messed up all the clean washing ! A lot of walking through the woods and had to careful to watch out for branches and rocks on the steep slopes. It was a touch warmer today today but made quick progress and the VF proved beneficial over the road in most places. Some really pretty little villages en route, so happy to be in Switzerland at last, stunning views, precipitous rocky cliff faces and green fields with cows with bells clanging round their necks. Tried walking in the shade due to the increase in temperature without much benefit. Met up with a nice guy Thomas from Salzburg. He was much slower but only had 3 kms to go to our destination so happy to potter as it was only lunchtime. Went for a couple of beers (thanks Rosella – birthday present) with a really grumpy barman. Had a good laugh, Andrea turned up but the bar had closed. Made our way to the campsite and we are staying in a yurt. They are really friendly here and the sun is shining. Had an early ‘dinner’ and settled in for the night.
Saturday 8 June Romainmôtier-Envy to Lausanne, somewhere around 32 kms (forgot to unpause my watch after the excitement of having a McD’s vanilla frappe)! Nobody around at the campsite where we slept in the yurt so had to set off without paying and contact them to ask for bank details. Set out together, all starving as no breakfast and had to wait a while before we raided Coop and stuffed our faces like famished children. Hot apple strudel, Swiss chocolate croissants and butter croissants straight out the oven – it would be rude not to. Pushed on solo and it’s clear there is still snow on the mountains. The suburbs of Lausanne went on for a long time, it’s such a major city. Managed to get a milk shape (frappe) from McD’s which went down very well. Had a long steep climb to the church where we are staying. I didn’t get much response from the few people at the church but there were quite a few confirmations going on with everyone smartly dressed and me sat on the stairs in sweaty rags eating crumbs of crisps like a homeless person. They obviously felt sorry for me (or wanted me out of the way) but managed to get access. Following the confirmations, there was free food and wine available so four hungry pilgrims tucked in.
Sunday 9 June Lausanne to Montreux, approximately 33 kms. Walked down into Lausanne with Jake and said goodbye to Thomas who was returning to Salzburg. Walked on the VF for most of the day on the shores of Lake Geneva. The scenery was fantastic, snow on the mountains and everyone out exercising and relaxing. It was a very chilled atmosphere. There was an organised marathon event and the road was closed to cars (once a year) so we took full advantage. Stopped for some breakfast quite late on but worth waiting for. Stopped for ice cream later followed by a glass of renowned wine (all put on for the marathon) before Andrea turned up. Bill had gone on ahead like a racehorse and was well ahead. Arrived at Clarens, a suburb of Montreaux which was very chilled. Met Bill at Montreaux train station, had an Italian lunch and where we went up the hill to the accommodation. Before are departure, we had a tremendous thunderstorm with intense rain. The views were to die for as we went up and the accommodation is situated perfectly. The views are breathtaking all the way back down to the lake but it changes by the minute with passing cloud. We braved the rain and went to the Couscous restaurant for a cheese fondue tonight while we had the chance.
Sounds like you are loving Switzerland .
Nice to be able to comment again 🙂 xxx
Monday 10 June Montreux to Saint Maurice approx 32 kms. Started out late as we had to wait for the hourly train and we’d had a night of rain and thick cloud. It cleared in Montreux town and I walked with Bill. Nice to see some more of the town and then I walked with Andrea for a bit. The walk was alongside the railway track and was a bit mundane but it then was alongside the raging ‘canal’, which was also a bit tedious. The surrounding mountains made up for it though and saw on a road sign there was only 67 miles to go to the St Bernard Pass. Checked in at the monastery for St Maurice, basic but nice accommodation. Bought food and cooked in tonight with Andrea.
Tuesday 11 June Saint Maurice to Monsigny short trip about 17 kms. Dry with glorious views of the surrounding mountains, a joy to be alive. A lot of road but walked with Jake and Bill after a while. Breakfast had been vey good at the Basilica so made good progress afterwards. The Australians were also heading to the same location. We arrived really early at Monsigny and after checking in, went for a walk around town and visited a circular tower up the hill, originally built BC. Bought some lunch and then concentrated on admin and visited the launderette. Bought pizza and salad in for the evening and ate with Andrea. The accommodation is in a cave/tunnel, a bit chilly but unusual.
Wednesday 12 June Monsigny to Orsières approx 21 kms. Had some real concerns with my left ankle which seems to have seized up and causing significant pain. Took Ibuprofen which seemed to help but had to take it easy as there was a lot of rough ground. Met up with the Aussies again and Jake’s cart broke. Cool but good day but some stiff inclines. Really beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air. I met an Aussie (Mike) from Newcastle and phoned Rosella as he knew the road she lived in. Caught up with Andrea and we walked on in to Orsières together. Bought food at the supermarket and rested the ankle as much as I could. Went out in the evening for a Pilgrims meal before returning to the full hostel at the church.
Lovely photos of Switzerland Paul and it’s great reading your blog .
Keep enjoying yourself 😊
Tracey xx
Thursday 13 June Orsières to Bourg Saint Pierre, approximately 15 kms. Clear skies and instant tough climbing after leaving the village. All via Francigena tracks today which proved to be tough. It started out cold at 7 degrees (in just t shirt and shorts) and then dropped to 4 degrees which was very cold but still managed a heavy sweat with such steep inclines. Walked solo, Andrea decided to push on for the pass and Bill and Jake went by road. The scenery was amazing and the air so fresh and clean, cow bells ringing much of the time. The torrents of water rushing down the rivers from the mountain are just so powerful, you wouldn’t stand a chance if you fell in. Met with Jake and Bill at Liddes town but then separated again after our ‘breakfast’. Got pushed around by a boisterous bullock but no harm done. The snow capped mountains are so close now and the lush green valleys are in total contrast. Short but strenuous day and arrived more or less the same time as Jake and Bill at Bourg St Pierre. Managed to get admin done and went for late lunch in a hotel. Bought some bits in for an evening meal and sat and chatted with the Aussies who are also staying here.
Friday 14 June Bourg St Pierre to Grand St Bernard Col approximately 13 kms. A cold start awaited us with promise of intermittent snow and rain. I took the VF which was craggy and I needed to watch each footfall. The ankle feels better than the last couple of days so eager to continue the progress. Immediately dropped altitude followed by a steep climb. Lots of river crossings and muddy parts where the meltwater was flowing down the mountains. Some spectacular scenery and as I approached the snow line, huge slices of snow lie along the trail. My hands were so cold I was afraid to get my phone out in case I dropped it. I emerged on the road for the last few kms and faced a never ending twisting and turning road, climbing steeply and relentlessy with Bill and Jake. It seemed to go on forever and the leg muscles were burning. Head down and persevere. We eventually reached the destination for today where I tucked into vegetable soups, coffe and then tried unsuccessfully to check in (not till 1500) so back to a different restaurant for cheese and ham on bread and a beer.
Saturday 15 June Grand Saint Bernard to Echevennoz (Italy). After a delayed start, had breakfast and departed in pouring rain and cold. 400 metres from the Italian border so please check out the Italian post from hereon in.