The lifts are still open here in Chamonix, the summer is however drawing to a close and since the Ultra Trail finished last week it feels like the town has emptied. After a busy month like August it can feel pretty quiet, however the sun still shines! And there is so much going on in the valley and with less people around doing the same stuff any activity you choose to come out and enjoy you will be sure to do so in complete tranquillity.
The autumnal months can be a great time to visit the mountains, watching the seasons change, leaves fall and even the first snow can be magical. If you haven't been over for this transitional period in the past you should take advantage of the cheaper flights and accommodation options available now and witness at least part of this amazing process.
With the summer drawing to a close and the last of the powerful full strength sun passing through the valley teamed with the odd day of rain, it was absolutely necessary to get down and enjoy what is quite possibly the last lake session. There are a few lakes in and around the valley and if you are about at the moment I would make a very high recommendation to enjoy their splendour before it becomes a brave hypothermic dip!
The lakes in the actual valley of Chamonix don't have that much fresh water entering them so they rarely become a good bathing opportunity. However just a twenty minute drive out of the valley to Passy you will find a number of large fresh water lakes to enjoy. You can also get there by a lovely picturesque road bike tour, or a train and a short walk. The bike ride heads first in the direction of Les Houches, from where you take a short climb up to Vaudagne followed by a pleasant downhill section to Servoz where there is one more uphill before descending and following signs to Passy and the lake. If you are taking the car you should get on the motorway out of Chamonix and off again at the Passy exit, where you will see signs to lakes either direction as there are a few in the area.
We chose to take the lazy option of the car to the largest of the lakes, Lac de Passy, which is left at the roundabout and follow the signs. There are plenty of spaces to park, especially at this time of year but at most spots you will have to pay a small parking fee. There are a couple of cafes dotted around the lake serving food, beer and coffee, and part of the lake is supervised so bring the kids and feel guilt free in enjoying an ice cold beer while they play!
We spent the day bathing near the beached area and managed two lengths of the lake stopping on the way back on a small island in the lake. The views are amazing with the contrast of white and green mountains and simply a must see before the summer really ends!
Once the sun had died down it became a lot cooler; we had wanted a BBQ at one of the free to use BBQ grills but with only shorts and T-shirts to cover our cold wet bodies we opted for a trip back to Chamonix and Le Vert for some great food!
