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).
A glorious day beckonned, once the early morning mist had lifted. PeterT, PeterD and Stephen met at the Chavannes hotel ready to head for the busy streets of the city before trialling a new route out to Satigny and lunch at the Auberge Communale. The plan was to follow the Swiss cycle route 50 from Chavannes (or where it passed close by), join briefly with the cycle route 1, before heading along the Rue de Lausanne to Cornavin station. At this point we would pick up the signs for the meandering cycle route 102 out to Satigny. Stephen was confident that signs would be more than adequate to indicate the appropriate tracks. En route, we met with e-Paul near the Vireloup CH/F border; he having an unusually light cycling day without the usual pedal out and back to the Chavannes hotel meeting point.
The stop/start of the city traffic increased with the increasing number of traffic lights as we neared Cornavin. However, we realised that our progress was better than that of the other traffic as we cycled past Lambourginis and Porsches in our cycle lane. Only one slight detour during the way into Geneva had to be made, due to inadequate Route 50 signalling, as we followed the small roads through Chambésy. However, the route on the 102 from Cornavin was less well indicated in several places and we had to make some seemingly risky manoeuvres in order to rectify over-enthusisatic directional optimism. Local cyclists helped show us the way as they darted in an out of traffic and past red lights into hidden passageways. PeterD was the back up navigator, frequently referring to the Switzerland Mobility App, when we truly lost the signs. The 102 route was indeed an eye-opener for all of us, taking us to localities that we did not know existed in Geneva. Once we started getting away from the city centre the vistas openned up and the vines of the Geneva wine area appeared over the thinning suburban roof tops.
We arrived at the Satigny auberge ahead of schedule, which was a benefit as the restaurant terrace soon filled other hungry clients. An early disappointment at lack of a menu du jour was replaced by very friendly service and a good choice of burgers, pizzas, salads and carpaccios. Paul encouraged (successfully) to have his frites “bien croquant”. This led into a discussion about Tom Kerridge’s famous triple cooked chips and from there a small leap to Ganesha…..and, importantly, the imminent publication of Paul’s new book….and other diverse topics (which somehow escape this blogger after a generous offering of limoncello by the waitress).
Contentment is well-fried chips.
“How the hell did we miss that turning?” “We were following your bright top.”
Interesting how food (or alcohol?) energises some people and for others it is a prelude to rest. PeterD pedalling rate increased 50% on leaving the restaurant whilst Stephen was struggling to move up the gears. Paul opted out of further competition (not that an e-biker needs to) and from Meyrin headed the short route home. The remaining 3 cut through Ferney before re-entering Switzerland and followed tracks through field and wood before re-emerging at the Chavannes hotel starting point.
A good lunch, who care’s how we get home? One day PeterT will remember to reset his route tracker after lunch…..
We have been very fortunate that there has been good support for our group in these challenging times……though who can resist a glass or two of wine to talk of many things, as the quote goes by Lewis Carroll, from the Walrus and the Carpenter ‘the time has come the walrus said, to talk of many things, of shoes and ships, and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings’…….
So on June 30, we were kindly hosted by Paul Sochaczewski and his wife Monique. Paul provided 6 varying red wines from Italy, whose labels were conveniently covered by the traditional ‘socks’ donated by Hamish McCombie some eons of time ago…..the highest score was 3 out of the 6 correctly identified.
On July 13 our hosts were from Morges, Ian Cappin and his wife Anne. The choice of wines that evening, were from different regions of Spain, whose most well-known reds are the Rioja wines……. again the highest score was 3 out of 6.
August 27 was our latest wine-tasting evening hosted by David Gwilliam and his wife Paddy. Again we were confronted by wines from Italy, which all seemed to be ‘ruby’ red with rich plum aromas and cherry fruit flavors…..and difficult to differentiate. Highest score was only 2 correct…….
OF note: Our wine group consists of some 25 members, and we like to have at least 6 participants with a maximum of 8 for a session to be held…….the ladies generally organize a restaurant for themselves and are there to drive their husbands safely home………!
Our next wine-tasting will be hosted by Tony Raeburn with the theme ‘lesser known European reds’ on the 30 September at 7.30pm……. 6 ‘winers’ have already signed in…..
This hike was advertised to run come rain or shine. And in the main that was what happened, with perhaps much more rain than shine. Attending were 8 :- Richard S, Mervyn, Andrew (Neivens, welcome to the group Andrew), Rob, David, Mark 2rrs, Stephen, PeterT (leader).
We assembled à l’heure at 10 am at the parking at the station at L’Isle, a place worth visiting for its magnificent chateau. First then some culture:-
“Also known as the “Petit Versaille de l’Isle”, this magnificent château was built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, a Lieutenant General in the Swiss Guard. It was the first regional monument of classical architecture.
Built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, the Château de l’Isle is a monument steeped in history. Originating from around 1700 during the classical era in France, this building greatly resembles that of the architectural movement of the time, where the Château de Versailles was built.
The, “La Vénoge” river has enabled the Château to benefit from a beautiful French garden, as well as a river basin bordered by two tree-lined paths. At first the Chandieu family lived in the old residence until the end of the 18th century. François Louis Roulet of Neuchâtel was the first to live there in the 19th century, and then it was handed down through marriage to the Cornaz Family of Montet Cudrefin.
In 1876, the commune of l’Isle bought and restored the château. Today it houses the municipal department of housing and classrooms. Since 1941, the château has been a listed building.”
The weather forecast seemed not too bad but as we skirted the lawns of the fine Château we donned anoraks, only to remove them soon after. A gradual line of 7.5 km and 750m deniv or so, making it roughly a 10% slope which would lead us in a WNW direction just south of Combe à Berger past Grand Chardève to the Chalet de Châtel at 1400m for lunch. (Yellow path).
Passing the water Source for L’Isle (members I think were more intent on beer sources), we skirted pasture land and moved on up into the forest.
No time for water Source
All to soon the rains came and all but Stephen re-donned anoraks. Had he painted himself with some form of water repellant ? In any event he got to 1400m in persistent rain in a green T shirt.
Mark, Steve, Andrew, David, Mervyn, Richard, Rob.Andrew, Stephen and Richard. Note the assorted rain gear.
This was the first rain after a long dry spell, and the autumnal leaves were beginning to appear underfoot.
Unexpected image but it captures the essence of the morning.
We made steady progress up the 10% trail eventually turning left in a southerly direction on the final slopes to the chalet. Andrew was finding his sugar levels on the low side at this point and Richard provided some essential glucose. We arrived on time at 12.30 at the Chalet, dripping wet but inside it was warmer and our table was set out in a pleasant and newly furbished room with sound baffles in the ceiling. We each showed our COVID certificates and then were allowed to move about maskless.
Mark arrives in from the rain – note everyone else seems to have driven up.
Cold beers soon arrived. From Appenzell.
A clear 50/50 split between those having Fondue and those having Röstiflette was established and we proceeded to enjoy a very fine lunch indeed, white Tartegnin wine supplementing the beers.
Röstiflette (vegetarien)The fondue set drying out in the warmth. David and Andrew with liquid cheeseNote the ceiling baffles
Our discourse followed the usual threads. Scottish independence, the possible definition of “woke”, problems of nasal hair, anti-vaxxers, what pivoting means, roasting absent friends, dogs, enjoying a meal with wet underwear, Boris, future hikes, etc, all the while checking that it was still raining outside. A fine camaraderie persisted among the damp diners.
The Chalet was short on their dessert of the day, tarte aux framboise, but there were 4 left so we partaged and very tasty it was indeed. Time for some furtive absinthe and Scottish fluid with our coffee before we flowed out into some unexpected but reviving sunshine.
Weak sun greeting departing damp but happy diners On the descent – no rain ! So Stephen puts on his rain gear.
We traversed the ridge to the N towards Mollendruz then pivoted back down towards L’Isle. It kept dry despite ominous grumblings of thunder to the south.
We arrived back at the cars reasonably quickly, the time seemed to pass quickly anyway, perhaps it was the digestifs…
Thanks to all attending. Sorry we missed Mark, Thatcher, Philip, Richard W, Peter D and others who missed a fine meal with a gentle hike, oh, and er, rain.
The Rudi brigade restarts. GIN lunches stopped in Feb 2020 but restarted today at L’Imperial, a super Chinese restaurant in Etoy, organised by Alan Baker. Clearly it was going to be good to travel that distance, and indeed it was.
All you can eat, any number of visits to the buffet, fresh food, Chinese delicacies and all the usual menu and sauces, all for chf 23, washed down with some fine beer and coffee. This is a really good value for money eatery. Many of us said we would be taking our spouses back there..
Friendly service and it was not too noisy inside (the weather was iffy) so we could hear easily across the table. Paul showed us a draft copy of his latest book about the Ganesh images and statues that he owns. It looks a must have.
The location was a tad distant, but quite quick to drive to and great for parking and for Aldi, Qualipet, Pfister, Hornbach, etc. etc. shopping afterwards.
Alan had written to us
“The occasion may also be used to discuss the future of GIN Lunches, other GIN groups having possibly diluted interest in them amongst the current 73 GIN Members. (Mark Warren’s recent observation that “GIN Lunches are an integral part of GIN for getting us all together and discussing issues” is worth considering). Rudi Pluss, the current GIN Lunches Coordinator, will kindly provide further past, present and future input for us.”
We duly discussed future lunches and the next three now have organisers.
Taking coffee after a great lunch
I think I can say that we all ten of us thoroughly enjoyed the event and that GIN lunches are now firmly back on the agenda.
NEXT LUNCH
PETER TAYLOR WILL ORGANISE A LUNCH AT FOUNEX TENNIS CLUB IN MID OCTOBER.
Attending STEPHEN LONG, ALAN BAKER, RUDI PLUSS, DAVE GWILLIAM, BRIAN ALLARDYCE, TERRY GALE, PAUL SOCACHEWSKI, DAVE GERNANDT, MARK WATTS, PETER TAYLOR
THATCHER SHELLABY AND DREW MEEK (Apologies RECEIVED ) There may have been many others.
Peter Drew organised a bike route on this fine day, seemingly at the near end of the Indian Summer. Four bikers turned out at the Divonne Lake, sorry five. Mark 2RRs had thought the start was at 10 am and not 9.30am.
Mervyn, E-Thatcher and two Peters spent the waiting time usefully discussing cleaning products and vacuuming machines.
Once Mark had finally arrived we set off on this excellent route in a clockwise direction.
The initial phase from Divonne to Gex was spent on the very pleasant bike path built over the old railway tracks. Up and right through Vesancy our leader declared we had time for a statutory Bonmont so we duly trundled up the down road.
Having dispensed with the elevation element what followed was a gentle ride down and across to Givrins and then Genolier. The Trois Tileulles has an excellent terrace spoilt marginally by the traffic noise at the crossroads. The gourmet plat du jour at chf 25, included stuffed mushrooms, tender beef filet with noodles and green beans, and some form of mango crème anglaise. All washed down with excellent beer and coffee. On nice white linen (nb good cleaning product used). Indeed a high point of our bike dining this year.
Our just desserts Sadly Maarrk moved as I took this pano, as did Meervyyn.
The subjects of our intercourse moved through faith and religion, or our sad lack of it, weddings, quantum field theory (Mark is rereading pages 1 to 3), absent friends, travel, vaccines, E-Bikes, dogs and cleaning products (part 2). (I may have missed key sections).
It was all too soon time to depart and we rolled back through Trelex, Grens, and Divonne. A great ride with fine weather and company. Missing a few of our regulars and hoping they will be back with us soon. I clocked 50 km and 536m from my home, but Peter D says it was 42.5km and 585m (from Divonne).
For Norman Eatough’s first GIN walk, the weather was perfect: sunny, around 25°.
Meeting at Les Gravines restaurant, we walked upstream close to La Versoix, which always manages an impressive volume, even after days without rain, as several remarked. Norman ventured an explanation: in the limestone region of the Jura, rain dissolves the rock and forms big underground lakes. These release water progressively, evening out the flow.
We arrived at a timber mill and its millrace, where Mike explained that the water used to drive a turbine, providing street-lighting for Versoix many decades ago. This was closed down and could only resume if a fish-ladder was built. It was not possible to peer over the steep slope to see whether this requirement has been implemented.
Norman explained that the notice deviating walkers up the road and through the woods, which we ignored, was due to the collapse of a wooden footbridge further up the millrace; we suddenly arrived at the further metal footbridge, and he realised that the broken footbridge had been totally dismantled since his last visit. It doesn’t seem likely that the wooden one will be rebuilt, as the metal one suffices perfectly. A scramble up a steep slope ensued, survived by all and we climbed further, accompanied by soothing Water Music (acknowledgement to G.F. Händel) until emerging on to the Collex-La Bâtie road:
Mark Warren Mike Wouter Rob Gary Richard David G Garry Norman
We progressed to the Bossy road on a track mercifully dry of its usual trying mud and relaxed for 15 minutes on the benches of the recreation area, where a charming circle of tinies and their teachers greeted us.
We crossed La Versoix over the Pont de Bossy and turned immediately right along a pretty path down the right bank, where a photo was taken at a little beach:
We emerged into sunlight for the 5 minutes down to La Bâtie and the much-regretted Auberge des Chasseurs, whîch a few of us remembered in its heyday.
The assembly was invited to peer down and observe the Prise d’eau/intake of water from La Versoix into the Canal de Versoix: photos below. This was built around 1766, to supply water when France conceived a plan to rival Geneva commercially by building a new settlement 2 km North of Versoix-le-Bourg (where La Versoix enters Lac Léman), called Versoix-la-Ville. Voltaire pointed out that the Pays de Gex produces nothing and needs supplies from Savoie. The canal descends imperceptibly until entering the Lac du Léman beyond Montfleury: it is an engineering triumph. Despite a new dead-straight road being built to connect Versoix-la-Ville to then-French Meyrin and thus Lyon, the project never really got off the ground, only one factory and a couple of houses being built, and was abandoned when France’s Foreign Minister, Le Duc de Choiseul, appointed by King Louis XV to organise the project, fell into disgrace (sadly no details were supplied in Norman’s Histoire de Versoix). Versoix became Swiss and Geneva was connected to Switzerland along the lake after the Napoleonic wars in 1815.
A short stretch of tarmac brought us to the charming path along the shady canal, with dappled sunshine adding to the experience. Crossing a final footbridge, we arrived back at Les Gravines after 2h15 actual walking, there to imbibe a refreshing canette or two and enjoy a very fresh green salad and either the plat du jour or a pizza: two comedians had clearly preferred the tastier inner delights thereof:
Norman was profusely thanked for his outing, which was new to the majority, then intellectual conversations rocked the place.
GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society), of which I am a member, is the biggest English-speaking musical society in the EU (this excludes the UK!). Having had to close down for most of the past 2 years, it is in dire financial straits and needs all the support it can get. Otherwise it could fold up. More about this situation is given below.
Its first production since Covid appeared is imminent. On 16 to 19 September a musical called the Little Shop of Horrors will play in the Théâtre de Marens, Nyon. Despite the “Amateur” in GAOS, the quality of performers, and indeed the whole production team, is outstanding.
Most GIN members live within easy reach of Nyon. If as many members as possible could buy tickets to see the show (only 39 fr) it might make the difference between survival or collapse of the Society, which would be a disaster for English-speaking musical enthusiasts in this part of the world. I’m sure the production will be suitable for children as well as adults.
Many thanks in advance,
Philip Jenkins
GAOS NEWS (4 September)
It is less than two weeks until the curtain rises on Little Shop of Horrors. We know it will be a great show, but we want to give you an update on ticket sales – to outline what this means for the society – and to ask you to double your efforts in reaching out to as many people as possible – and beyond our membership – to sell as many tickets as possible.
As of today we have sold 400 tickets. We need to sell 1000 to break even. Back in 2020 – when the show was due to open the production costs had already reached Chf 15,000, which could not be recouped by cancelling the show, as we were required to do. As we are proceeding we will incur further costs (theatre, rights, musicians, publicity) – and thus we need to reach the 1000 limit to avoid a significant loss.
Please therefore do all you can by advertising the show. The cast & production team have demonstrated their commitment to GAOS and we must give them our utmost support.
The commune of Divonne-les-Bains asked me to organise an exhibition that illustrates the history of relations – economic, social, cultural over the last one hundred years between the Pays de Gex and Geneva.
Entitled 100ans +1 de vie internationale: une région transformée. The exhibition is intended to mark the anniversary of 100 years of multilateralism in Geneva with the establishment of the League of Nations in 1920. It had to be postponed last year because of the pandemic.
A number of GIN Club members contributed to the preparation of the exhibition: David Gwilliam helped on the history of golf in Divonne; David Steiber recalled memories of the Investors Overseas Services; Mike Price and others helped with contacts in CERN; and Philip Jenkins, Richard Saynor and Mark Warren have produced a map of 10 cross-border walks in the area.
The exhibition will be held from 29 September – 24 October in the Maison du Quartier de la Gare in the centre of Divonne.
If at first you don’t succeed…….so at the third attempt, the weather favoured an ascent of the Pointe de Bellevue in Morgins, two years on from the first time Stephen proposed the hike. 10 eager hikers, seduced by the organiser’s enthusiasm, signed up for the climb. In the event, Rob, Mark2r and Mervyn had to pull out at short notice, leaving Stephen, PeterT, Mark2t, David, Richard, Philip and, new-comer to this group, Paul met at the church in Morgins more or less at the agreed hour of 09.30. The car sharing group from Divonne had a slow start due to heavy frontalier traffic but still managed to arrive ahead of David coming from Villars, who ensured that his somewhat tardy record was maintained.
The hike started from the town centre past an excellent boulangerie – but no time to sample its delights as the leader was on a mission to get to the top and onto the lunch-time restaurant. The leader had also neglected to tell the group that the 814m climb was almost straight up, intially through the hillside chalets on the road and then out into the open spaces.
Early stages….up and up from Morgins
The target in sight
The frequent procession of cars passing us on the way up also indicated that Stephen had been economical with the truth in not suggesting that the uphill pain could have been seriously curtailed. By the time the Portes de Culet had been reached, the group was well spread out, giving the early arrivers time to chat with other hikers and admire the view across to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.
A breather at the Portes de Culet
Despite suggestions that there was an alternative, easier route circumnavigating the Bellevue peak, there was a unanimous will to attack the final ascent in order to get the promised views
Relaxing on the final ascent
.
The Pointe de Bellevue is in sight
Arrival at the top was staggered with the more reckless walkers bounding ahead whilst the experienced walkers savoured the ever-expanding vistas. By the time everyone was at the Pointe de Bellevue, most of the red wine had been consumed (partly due to sharing its benefits with two lively ladies who had passed us in a car and taken a shorter route up). However, Paul produced the means to toast Absinthe (or was it absent?) friends.
Sharing the Bellevue (and red wine) with 2 belles.
Conversation took a bizarre direction including a Rolls Royce and a crucifix….please defer to Peter for the full story. Since we were a little behind the exact schedule, the restaurant was phoned to suggest that we might be delayed by an hour only to hear that the chef went off duty at 14h. The group was rapidly assembled and a sense of urgency was given to the descent!
On the way down
Restaurant with a view
In the event, the advance party reached the Ferrage restaurant way before the “n0 croûte” time and we were all seated and drinking beer (or alternative) with time to spare to order. Lunch was spectacular for the view across to the Dents du Midi and the Muveran as well as the brochette specialities of the restaurant.
Menu du jour….a flaming sausage!
That’s what you call a lunch!
Dessert tarts were shared and coffees taken before a gentle 45 minute traverse back to Morgins through pleasant grass and woodland track until we hit the tarmac for the chalet dwellings on the outskirts of the town. The path passed above the 7 Peaks brewery, in the shadow of the 7 peaks of the Dents du Midi.
Despite the need for Mark to get back to host a drinks evening, a detour was taken to Stephen and Kate’s chalet, allowing a sampling of home brew beer, coffee and teas as desired. Kate had been watching our progress, even claiming to have seen us on the top of Bellevue from the chalet. Return to the town centre completed the 14km circuit about 7h30m after the start.
A great day out blessed with good weather, good views, good company and good exercise. Only sorry that not everyone was able to make it but I’m sure a repeat can be organised…………..
