Day Off in 'Le Valais'
published on Sat. Jun. 14th, '08 by Swami AtmaOn Sunday last weekend I went with a couple good friends on a nice outing in France next to the Mont Blanc and then in Switzerland.
St Gervais les Bains
The first Step was to visit little town St Gervais les bains. I spent a couple kids camps there when I was 8-9 years old. The views in and out of this spa town/ski station are gorgeous.
St. Gervais les Bains
Le Valais
Le Valais is a pretty canton in the heartland of the French part of Switzerland. Even though locals speak French, it's a very different culture than France. So it's fun for us French folks to visit. You've got to resist the strong tendency of French folks to make fun of the locals' accent. I know it's bad but it's in our genes.
Characteristics of the area are awesome sceneries as well as a wonderful micro climates. Therefore there are tons of orchards and lots of fine wine comes from there.
Picnic in Heaven
We had a great picnic in a very quiet spot in a valley. I could not stop taking photos. Little houses and chalets, wild flowers, small stream and of course jaw dropping mountains in the background.
La Vallée du Rhône
Our next plan was to go to Ovronnaz where there is a nice spa. This entailed a little over an hour car ride going down into the 'Vallée du Rhône'. Eye popping view.
The Spa in Ovronnaz
I did not take pictures there because I focused intently on relaxing. lol. Most foreigners don't know that in Switzerland you can find everywhere some spas with waters coming from the ground with lots of healing properties. Installations are first class and very hygienic of course. The kicker is you spend half a day in those places for barely more than the cost of a movie at the theater. Less when you count the snacks.
This particular one is located on the top of some mountains shown above on the left of the vallee so you've got views all around while you are soaking. The valley on one side and some high mounts on others.
Typical Restaurant
On our way back I wanted to eat in a typical Valaisan place and eat typical Swiss food - but no fondue for a change. So I had a 'mean' Rösti (pronounce RRRRRReeuuuuuSSSSSCCCCCHHHHHHttteeeeeeeee , but harder, with more emphasis, and a singing voice) with local cheese.
It was a lovely and worderful day.
Posted in: Traveling Journal - Nice Photos | comments disabled (?)
