The Estérel Massif lies between St. Raphael and Cannes, stretching from the coast deep into the hinterland and is largely a protected nature reserve. The mountains are of volcanic origin, hence reddish, yellow, or grey rocks glow above the green of oaks, cedars, and chestnuts, many types of pines, as well as gorse, heather, lavender, mimosa, and the typical shrubs of the maquis. Read more
Menton is a gem of the ‘classic’ Cote d’Azur – located right on the Italian border, the town is shaped by the cultural and historical influence of both countries. No other town on the Mediterranean coast boasts such an impressive flair and blend of Italian and French architectural and lifestyle elements. Added to this is its breathtaking seaside location, framed by mountains and the foothills of the Maritime Alps, which greet visitors with snow-capped peaks well into spring. The climb up the steps to the Basilica of St. Michel, built in Genoese Baroque style, illustrates the maze of alleys, staircases, and colourful facades of the old town. After this rather strenuous part, we rewarded our children with a swim at the small, offshore town beach (pebble) – there’s also a small playground and sunbathing lawns along the promenade. More pictures of the Cote d’Azur and the Estérel Massif can be seen in the ‘France’ gallery.
From the summit of Cap Roux, a panoramic mountain in the Estérel Massif, 454 metres above the Côte d’Azur coast, I experienced a peaceful and tranquil morning atmosphere. In the distance, Cannes and Nice are visible, and to the left lies Pic de L’Ours, which is reached by one of the few roads in the Estérel Natural Park open to cars. This stretch of coastline is also known as the Côte d’Or, named after the reddish-yellow hue of the rocks, which are of volcanic origin. More pictures can be seen in the ‘France’ gallery.
At the summit of Cap Roux, an enamel map explains the 360-degree panorama, featuring the Estérel Massif, the coastline of the Côte d’Azur from Nice to St. Tropez, and the hinterland. The Estérel Massif is located between St. Raphael and Cannes and is designated as a nature park. The Corniche d’Or is a stunning panoramic road running along the coast, but the main traffic, via the motorway, bypasses the area in the hinterland. The Estérel Massif is only accessible by car via a single access road, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or climbing; the beaches are also just a few minutes away. The summit of Cap Roux is excellent for a sunrise tour. In the foreground, you can see the ‘Pilon’ cliffs, behind them Anthéor and Cap Dramont, and in the background on the horizon, the peninsula of St. Tropez. More pictures can be seen in the ‘France’ gallery.
Above Lake Walen, on a sunny terrace, lies the village of Amden, and in a perfect location with a great view is the cosy Naturfreundehaus Tscherwald. From there, on a snowy April (2009), I enjoyed the sunset over Lake Walen and the Glarus Alps, dominated by the Mürtschenstock. Right by the house, paths begin for hiking, mountain biking, or in winter, skiing or snowshoeing tours up to the Gulmen, the Churfirsten, or across to Toggenburg.
About an hour’s drive east of Zurich, Lake Walen is nestled deep in the valley like a fjord, towered over by the Churfirsten and the peaks of the northern Glarus Alps. At its western end, a road leads high up to the sunny terrace of Amden, where a beautiful nature friends’ house offers an ideal base for hiking, mountain biking, skiing or snowshoeing tours. By the lake, for example near Weesen, I’ve already enjoyed wonderfully warm hours in the spring sunshine around Easter, but also great descents in the nearby ski resorts, such as Flumserberg.
The rustic and cosy Friends of Nature Lodge Tscherwald is located at an altitude of 1361 m on Amden’s sun terrace, high above the northern shore of Lake Walen. To the south, the panorama opens up to the peaks of the Glarus region, with the striking Mürtschenstock towering into the sky, and to the east, you can see as far as the well-known Flumserberg ski resort. The lodge can be reached via Weesen on Lake Walen and Amden; it’s situated right at the very end of the paved road, nestled in a small wooded area and surrounded by meadows. Beyond it, the trails immediately begin for hiking, mountain biking, or, in winter, ski or snowshoe tours up to Gulmen, the Churfirsten, or across to Toggenburg. In winter, Amden’s two smaller, family-friendly ski resorts are also easily accessible.
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