Am in the early stages of planning a trip to France for next June. A friend of ours lives between Lyon and Grenoble, and has suggested we go to Chamonix after a short visit to his home (where we have been before). However, I don't get a good vibe about Chamonix. How is the hiking? Is it all modern, charmless chalets?

Is there somewhere in the mountains, either the Alps or even the Vercors, that is charming (old world or rustic are both fine--NOT modern, corporate-feeling) with excellent hiking? I'm more interested in rambles through green places with woods and meadows than anything approaching hardcore mountain-climbing, although views of snow-capped peaks would be welcome.

Our friend has taken us on daytrips to the Chartreuse Monastery and the Charente caves. Those were beautiful. But since we would be staying overnight, it can be further afield.

Given my preferences, would it be worthwhile heading to somewhere on Lake Geneva (definitely not Geneva itself)?

Thanks in advance.

anyone?...

Hi Cimbrone,

Sorry, don't know about France or Chamonix --

But it sounds like you're describing the Saanenland & Pays d'Enhaut of Switzerland, specifically the towns of Gstaad (www.gstaad.ch), Saanen, or Chateau d'Oex (www.chateau-doex.ch).

The area has lush, green, rolling hills that are dotted with brown-wood chalet villages. Here are links to my "reviews" (w/photos) of the area:

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Good luck!

s

Wow! That looks perfect! And antiques make it all the more appealing. I will definitely be exploring these areas. Thanks, swandav!

Hi again,

Hope you enjoy it. Gstaad is about two hours by train from Geneva via Montreux, about 1h30 from Montreux. Train schedules at www.rail.ch.

Have fun!

s

Swandav-Can you recommend any particular hotels? $100 per night is ideal, but would be willing to consider up to $200 for the right place. Thanks again.

Hi Cimbrone,

Sorry for the delay. Darned work!!

Well, I've stayed at the Steigenberger in Saanen and the Le Grand Chalet above Gstaad, and both were TERRIFIC! But both are four-star hotels and will probably bust your budget.

I just went to www.gstaad.ch and did a search for accommodation for 4 June 07 for four nights, and the cheapest hotel was the 3-star Bellerive in Gstaad for 90 chf/per person. I think you'll see more hotels with more availability in Jan or Feb. By the way, the Gstaad site will give you hotels in Saanen, Schoenried, & Saanenmoeser too.

The www.chateau-doex.ch site will give you hotels in Chateau d'Oex as well as in Rougemont & Rossiniere, but it's not doing much yet for 2007.

I haven't stayed at the Le Bon Accueil (www.lebonaccueil.ch) yet, but I'm planning to stay there next summer. Doubles there run 165 chf (not per person), but they run summer specials for 3 nights with breakfast and dinner for 360 chf per person -- quite a good deal. It really looks like a lovely spot and I can't wait to get there myself!

Anyway, hope you find a lovely spot!

s

ps, should have said that the Le Bon Accueil is in Chateau d'Oex.

s

Thanks, swandav! I had actually seen the hotels on the sites you gave me, and they do look lovely.

I will keep all of your good advice in mind and post again when the trip starts to take shape.