Hiking in the Alpages

We had hoped to do some téléphérique-assisted hiking in Chamonix, but were just a few days early for the start of the season. So to make the most of Cordon, with great views of Mont Blanc, we did a bike-assisted hike to the alpages (mountain pastures) above the town. As we pedalled to the start of the hike, we passed a farm where we visited the cows, then were able to buy cheese directly from the farmer. Further on, we found the road quite rideable, so just kept biking until the track headed steeply up to the alpine. We walked through lush forests up the road until we reached a herd of goats, but didn't stop long to look, as the guard dogs (patous) very noisily and insistently barked until we had moved past their protégés. Higher up we got to the cow pastures, with mobile milking systems and mountain huts so that the cows can be milked all summer in the alpine. We enjoyed lunch in a cirque of waterfalls taking in the stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. After the steep hike down, our legs appreciated some coasting on the bikes, that is, until we had to climb back up to Candice's place above Cordon at the end of the day!Läs mer