For the last few weeks we’ve been revisiting some of our favourite walks, choosing those with good paths and gentle inclines as Jonathan continues his rehab. The walk to Lac de le Sassière starts at the small reservoir high above Lac du Chervil and ascends along a wide track to the lake. More walks lead further up the mountain and it’s possible to descend, on a circular route, along the other side of the valley. At this time of year it is stunning with an enormous variety of beautiful wild flowers and marmots a plenty.
With Jonathan increasing his cycling on the turbo trainer we decided it was time for him to exit the garage and do a proper route. The physio has advised that this is safe as long as he doesn’t ‘stand on the pedals’ so we have found what seems to be the only flat cycle route in the region. The cycle path follows the very exciting rapids of the Isère as it flow down the valley towards Aime, passing the lake where we had this year’s first mountain swim. Fortunately, the ascent back to Bourg Saint Maurice is kind to the Achilles!
We were also keen to take advantage of the ski lifts running during the summer. Previous visits have been out of season so this has not been possible. We headed to Tignes le Lac where we had a great lunch whilst waiting for the lift to restart after it’s lunch break-yes, everything stops for lunch in France. We took the aero ski lift up to Tovière and set out on a walk along the ridge to Point de Fresse and Col de Fresse. At this elevation, what was most striking were all the mountain bike routes snaking down the valleys with full body armoured cyclists descending at break neck speed. The walking route drops down from the ridge to Tignes Val Claret via Chalet de la Leisse. The scenery is stunning with views to the glacier on the Grande Motte and over to Mont Pourri, the highest mountain in the region. Unfortunately the descent was longer and rockier than anticipated and not very Achilles friendly! We’ll be sticking to cycling and swimming for a few days.
