Blue skies are here again, hopefully for the whole weekend, but when it rains in Chamonix, it really rains! Not that we can complain after such a good summer but what is there to do when the heavens open up?
One option that is actually better for a bit of a downpour is the Gorges de la Diosaz in Servoz. Just a 5 minute walk from the train station, they are open until the end of September and are well worth a visit on a grey rainy day.
Although outdoors, the footpath is sheltered and equipped with steps and handrails for the steeper sections. The tour starts down at the foot of the gorge and winds its way up through the rocks and past the gushing torrents. You can see the tombstone of a young poet who wrote about the natural wonders of the gorge and visit a small cave where a woman lived and gave birth there alone many years ago.
All along the footpath are signs pointing out the different rocks, crystals and plants that you can see along the way. The passage through the gorge was installed way back in 1875 (don't worry, it's been updated since then) and workers had to do everything by hand as there was not enough space to bring in machinery. Maintenance work today has to be done in much the same way with beams being lowered in on ropes and workers dangling from harnesses above the roaring waterfalls.
The walk itself is an impressive sight, taking around an hour and a half. Entry is 5.50€ for adults, 4€ for children and free for under fives. Discounts are offered for groups of more than ten people. You can find more information and opening times on their website.
If you've worked up a hunger after your tour of the gorges then one of Servoz's best kept secrets is waiting for you just over the road - Bab Pizza. Directly opposite the car park for the gorges is a little field where you'll find a tiny wooden chalet decked out with fairy lights and baskets of flowers. The smoke puffing out of the chimney comes from the wood-fired pizza oven, where he bakes the best thin-based crispy pizzas I've had in a while. Loads of different flavours to choose from and really good value, with prices ranging from 7€ to 9€. You can either get stuck in straight away at the picnic table outside, or call ahead with your order and collect it to take away - +33 (0)670 08 74 68. He's there throughout September and October, every evening except for Mondays.
This weekend is the much anticipated summer ball organised by the Neverest Girls, a charity gala night to raise money for A Chacun Son Everest in advance of the girls' trip to Nepal to run in the Everest Marathon next May. All tickets are now sold but anyone who missed out is welcome to join the girls for drinks and dancing afterwards at Les Caves on the Rue des Moulins. Doors will be open from 11pm for anyone who wants to come along, the more the merrier!
All upcoming events can be found on our What's On Calendar.
