Secrets of the Vuache

It’s the weekend at last. You deserve some quality time as a family on this sunny day. How about getting the ultimate nature experience? We’ve got the perfect place for you in the Monts du Genevois. The Vuache and the surrounding area awaits you and your budding explorers. So come on, what are you waiting for?

#Mystical

Why not begin your adventure on higher ground and explore some incredible views of the Genevois region? Salève to your right, Jura to the left and Lake Geneva right opposite you. Not a bad setting, is it? Take advantage of of this peaceful moment to spend some time in the chapel behind you. It was built in 1953 and was devoted to Notre-Dame du Mont Sion, the patron saint of travellers. Incredible, don’t you think? Then climb the few steps up to the statue of the Virgin and Child. In 1945, Abbot Claudius Fournier commissioned sculptor from Lyon Lucien Gratien to create this statue, in thanks for protecting the town from Nazi attacks. Since then, several hundreds of pilgrims have been coming every year to celebrate a large-scale open-air mass, followed by a country-style meal together. There are no events planned for today, but that doesn’t stop you from sitting at the picnic table in the shade of the trees for your lunch.

#Bucolic

Once you’ve finished your picnic, it’s time to set off for the second part of your trip, in Chevrier. Here, you can set off on the loop trail, “In the corridors of time”. This 6.9-km walk will lead you from the centre of the village to the banks of the Rhône, past chapels, groves and old farms. A great way to discover the authentic side of the Vuache. So put on your hiking boots and set off on this trail that departs from the centre of the village, near the chapel to be precise. Did you know that this is one of the oldest religious buildings in the Genevois region? From there, head towards Vulbens and go right on the Chemin de la Fruitière. Then go past the Atout Pom groves and carry on down towards the Rhône. From there, there is an incredible view of the Défilé de l’Ecluse water gap. In autumn, hundreds of thousands of birds pass through here. You’ll then be walking alongside the Rhône for a little over 2 km, before passing near Carnot bridge. Then head back to Chevrier where this loop trail ends.

#Historic

The last part of our sightseeing tour takes us to the entrance of the Monts du Genevois. A strategic location if we take Caesar’s word in the Gallic Wars. You’ll be spending the next part of the day at Fort l’Ecluse. Learn about the history of this fortified military location. It was built into the mountainside and the lower fort is used as an exhibition venue. Find out more about both nature and history as you learn about the fort and the fragility of Jura’s ecosystems. Then make your way to the terrace at the top of the Porte de France. From there, you’ll have an exceptional view of the Rhône valley. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? After visiting the different areas inside this ancient castle of the lords of Gex, it’s time to move on to the next part of the visit. The goal certainly sounds simple enough! Climb the 1,165 steps to the upper fort. Your thighs and calf muscles will be aching a bit but you’ll soon forget that feeling when you finally see the much-awaited sign telling you you’ve arrived. Don’t forget to take a selfie to capture the moment and to pick up your official certificate when you get back down to the bottom.

You’ve climbed the steps, explored the trails and aroused your curiosity. Mission accomplished for this adventure in the great outdoors!