On exactly 10am 16 GIN walkers set off on the “wild side” (expression from Alan Baker) of the Divonne river – direction Crassier. After some time (see the two pictures on the bridge – taken by Tim Goodyear). Norman Eatough gave us an interesting explanation of the origin of the area, notably the Canal de Crans which we walked along, and which supplied water to the Château de Coppet.
He also told us that he went to the Divonne Tourist Office two years ago saying that the path was very muddy. The Office took his advice and now the muddy parts are covered with splendid wooden decking. According to Norman this must have cost them a small fortune, which Divonne taxpayers, such as Mark Warren, John Burley and myself, have helped financing. We also visited the viewpoint of the “Marais des Bidonnes” (see map) and even saw one cow (see picture) of the “aurochs” herd that lives there.
Our group then split in two: one going on to Crassier and visiting a local pond (see picture) and the other returning to Divonne on a path next to the old railway track, which is now converted into a bicycle-cum-walking road. This stretch of track had continued to Nyon, but was not paying for itself and when the Geneva-Lausanne autoroute cut through it, that was the end of it.
At about 12:30 everybody met up for our lunch (see picture) at “Le Bon Accueil”, which provided us with a delicious and well-presented three-course meal. At 14:30 we all went home – after an enjoyable walk and lunch, which gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better and to benefit from the Divonne environment.
Wouter van Ginneken (with help from Tim Goodyear and Norman Eatough).
