DAY 38 - ATTIGNAT-ONCIN TO ST-PIERRE-D'ENTREMONT

The first half of our walk today was on the GR9 from Attignat-Oncin to Les Échelles. We quickly found the path out of the village. It was the one going up.

Rejoining the GR9 - an uphill start to the day 

We followed the path through a variety of terrain. There was the paddock with long grass, still wet from yesterday's rain.

The GR9 through the meadow

There was a slushy path through the forest. 

The GR9 through the forest

We went past the ruins of an old house. 

The GR9 past the ruins of an old house 

We kept climbing through the mist.

The GR9 into the mist

Eventually, we emerged into the sunlight to see the valley far below.

The GR9 above the valley

We descended on the GR9 to the town of Les Échelles. We had a lunch stop there, eating pasta at Chez Fred, the local pizza restaurant. We then headed towards St-Pierre-d'Entremont along the D520C. Although this is the main road, there was not a lot of traffic, there were excellent mountain, valley and gorge views, and the walking was enjoyable. We even got to go through a tunnel.

About to enter the tunnel

We found a diversion from the road, which we followed down, crossing one bridge and stopping to eat some tarts (one raspberry, one walnut) just before crossing a second.

Afternoon tea time

We then headed for our night's accommodation. On the way we saw some impressive orchids. We have been told that it is currently orchid season in this region.

Orchid season in the Chartreuse

Before long we had reached our destination.  And just to remind us that we are in the mountains, we are treated to the following view from our chambre d'hôte:

Afternoon sun on snow-capped mountains - the view from our chambre d'hôte 

Day:  38
Distance: 25.81km
Walking time:  5hrs 50mins
Elevation gain:  674 metres
Cumulative distance:  995.9 km