Are you tempted by the idea of swimming in 28 degree, emerald-green waters? So head for Lake Aiguebelette, a small paradise in the heart of the Avant Pays Savoyard, not very far from Chambéry.

Nestled in the Epine mountain on the edge of the Alps, this perfectly warm lake is known for its pure waters, with its ban on motorboats and a well-preserved ecosystem. The reed marches and crown of water lilies act as a filter and serve as a natural habitat for crayfish, birds and fish that spawn here. This extraordinary biotope shelters a large variety of fish, among them the white fish. Rare and difficult to catch, especially in clear waters, this « devil's fish » offers an exciting challenge for fishermen. And to add to the challenge, its flesh is particularly delicate!

Added to this idyllic picture are small rocky beaches and bays, fishermen's houses and cabins, and two islands with a chapel on one of them. An amusing anecdote: Frédéric Dard used to own a villa beside the lake which served partly as the set for his novel Tango Chinetoque (1965). The villa has since disappeared, but in 1981 a rowing center, which was entrusted to the organisation of world championships in 1997, was put in its place...

Information and contact:

Avant Pays Savoyard Tourisme
Bouvent
73740 Novalaise
Tel : + 33(0)479 360 929
www.avant-pays-savoyard.com 

This little corner of paradise has been shaped over time, and alternates between deep valleys and soft recesses. The Genevois Haut-Savoyard offers an ideal landscape for mountain biking. Full of picturesque market towns, stunning views and turbulent mountain streams, our favourite trails are:

- Downhill ATB in the Vallée Verte: it's fun!

You have 3 sensational hours to enjoy the banks of the Menoge in the heart of the Vallée Verte. Leave from the plateau des Moises (Habère-Poche) and experience a challenging descent to Saint-André-de-Boëge. It's a stimulating and invigorating experience along the water and under the shade of the trees. The return trip by shuttle is a lot more relaxing.

Price (ATB + helmet + shuttle): adult €17, child €13 (from 11 years).
Contact: Foyer Nordique et de Loisirs des Moises Habère-Poche/Vallée Verte
Tel. + 33 (0) 450 39 50 98
(For arrangements, ATB trip brochure, Tourism Office Habère-Poche Tel + 33 (0)450 39 54 46)

- The Flérier loop: on the elves trail 

This 4.5km trip is easy and has no change in altitude! The paths are flat and there are a few stretches of tarred road which run into undergrowth, a home to elves (or a funny wooden sculpture of them), before leading on to the village of Flérier. Here you will experience the history of a small, yet most beautiful hamlet and its 13th century Gothic-style chapel. And don't miss Flérier Lake, a beaver paradise.

Contact:
Tourism Office, Taninges/Praz-de-Lys, Tel + 33 (0)4 50 34 25 05
Tourism Office, Mieussy/Sommand, Tel + 33 (0)4 50 43 02 72
(Brochure 7 ATB trips: from 45 min. to 2 hours, all levels, see p. 60)

- Le Massif des Brasses: to each his own track

If you are fearlessly seeking thrills or simply looking for a quiet hike, the choice of trips from the plateau de Plaine-Joux satisfies everyone's needs. Routes to discover in an idyllic location!

- The Pesse trail: Mont-Blanc and other unusual and interesting things

This is an 8.5km athletic course, with a 370m rise in altitude and a final stop at 1290m. There are splendid views over the Massif du Mont-Blanc, the Plaine-Joux pastures and peaks all around. This hike is full of surprises, such as stone walls and peat bogs. These areas of stagnant water are low in oxygen, and it therefore causes the plants to decompose very slowly, allowing for a remarkable ecosystem (which in the past was used as fodder). Do not miss these water bodies, before they disappear for good!

Good to know: the plateau de Plaine-Joux is an ideal place to catch your breath and quench your thirst. Visit the bar-restaurant l'Alpage (open year round, closed on Tuesdays in off-season). 

Contact:
Tourism Office Brasses. Tel + 33 (0)4 50 35 91 83

And to accompany you:

Pascal Dufourd and Magalie Chavanne, Tel + 33 (0) 660 82 28 87 and + 33 (0) 686 94 86 74
Email:   This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

In a half or full day, discover the area with qualified instructors. Rent ATBs on location

Patrick Amat, 2093 Route du déluge, F-74250 Viuz-en-Sallaz. Tel + 33 (0) 681 60 31 98. Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Enjoy a relaxing walk and meal along the stream, with shuttle service on the way back. Rental available on location.

Daniel Mercier, Quincy, F - 74440 Mieussy. Tel + 33 (0) 607 53 27 73. Website: www.danielmercier-guide.com 
Go for an adventure in nature with a multilingual guide, Daniel, who offers tours in French, English and Spanish.

Bertrand Magnon in Taninges Ph. + 33 (0)685 023 869. A family stroll with a « free ride », good plans to check out at http://www.smvtt.com/

Detailed itineraries on the Flérier route and the Pesse trail:

It's back: a perfect occasion to rediscover leisure possibilities among friends A few suggestions:Karting - tubes, wheels and a lawn mower engine: the kart was born. In 1951, on a United States Air Force base. It was necessary to wait until the sixties for the phenomenon to reach Europe. Nowadays, the karts can run at more than 100 km/h for a featherweight - a hundred kilos - and circuits are mushrooming just about everywhere in France. Circuits to be tried in the region:

Just imagine: after a long ramble in the plains of the Vallée Verte, you reach the camp and start lighting the fire, preparing for an outdoor dinner. An evening around the fire, with your nose pointed towards the stars, before turning in to your tepee and the smooth warmth of reindeer fur. An experience worthy of the « pioneers of the west » , which you can enjoy just a few kilometers away from Annemasse and Geneva.

Rando ½ day (departure 14h) or whole day (departue10h) with a guide + meal and night under tipi + breakfast. 29 € half day or 37 € whole day mini.8 pax. Info. Résa : Valérie Vivian – tel. 06 28 08 50 39 – OT Vallée Verte 04 50 39 54 46

And if you like a gipsy week-end, go for a caravan week-end