With most of the lifts in the valley now closed for the autumn (with the exceptions of Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers) it's now all about low-level hiking or getting up high under your own steam.
Fear not though, there are plenty of trails worth doing that don't involve busting a gut (or a hamstring) and the benefit of staying low is that most of the trails are below the tree-line, giving a bit of protection if the weather is less than wonderful.
One of the most rewarding climbs is up to Chalet Floria, beneath Flegere; not a long hike but quite steep in places. If you are in the centre of town then you head north along Rue Joseph Vallot, past Satsuki Japanese restaurant on your right and Le Gecko bar on your left. Turn left onto Rue Mummery and head up towards the roundabout then turn right in the direction of Les Nants; this is a lovely area with lots of old chalets and pretty little mazots. After just a few minutes you will come to a path that leads off to the left into the woods, after here it is onwards and upwards all the way to La Floria.
The trail is a fairly easy woodland path with a couple of wooden bridges crossing over small streams; I say easy, although it is pretty steep in places but if you take it easy you should make it to the top in around 45 minutes or so. You don't see the chalet until the last minute as it is tucked away amongst the trees but when you do, you'll be glad you made the effort! As soon as you arrive you are greeted by an explosion of colour from the flowers that cover pretty much every inch of the chalet, the parasols on the terrace and the multi-coloured tables. Look out for the funny characters hidden amongst the flowers!
The floral display isn't the only impressive thing about La Floria, it also boasts one of the best views in the valley. The curved terrace juts out from the side of the mountain to give an aerial view of the valley and a stunning panorama of the Chaine du Mont Blanc mountain range opposite.
They serve a small menu of light meals such as omelets, salads and desserts so you can enjoy the view at your leisure; it's worth staying up there a little while just have a good look at the chalet and to take it all in! I'm not sure what time they stay open until in the evenings (I'm guessing it's daylight dependent) but I walked up there earlier in the week at around 7pm with my friend and had a glass of kir and a natter on the terrace until it turned dusky - lovely way to pass an evening and it means you've earned your drink!
You can then either walk back down the same route, or carry on through and follow signs down to Les Tines, which will bring you out onto the Paradis des Praz trail behind the golf course. From Les Praz you can catch the train or bus back to Chamonix, or walk back alongside the river.
La Floria will be open every day until 1st November.
See our What's On Calendar for all upcoming events in Chamonix
