The best MTB trails around Orcier

Nice Spot! Absolutely cyclitsapproved 🫵🫰

Nice Spot! Absolutely cyclitsapproved 🫵🫰

Nice Spot! Absolutely cyclitsapproved 🫵🫰

Beautiful Spot! Absolutely cyclitsapproved 🫵🫰

This chapel, dedicated to Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, was built on the remains of the former convent church of the Carthusian monastery of Sainte-Marie de Vallon[1]. In 1543, the Carthusians of Vallon were forced to leave their monastery, which was dismantled[1]. When they regained possession of their property in 1607, they found only ruins of the old charterhouse. Only a few sections of the walls remained standing[1]. After building their fortified house in Génicot[2] on the right bank of the Brevon (now on the lake), they erected a chapel in the part of the old charterhouse, in homage to Saint Bruno and in memory of the monks who preceded them. Since the walls of the choir of their former convent church and those of the sacristy had not collapsed, a nave surmounted by a wooden vault was built in 1651[3]. In 1793, it was sold as national property[3]. Abandoned by its new owners, it then passed to the Gougain family, along with the entire property known as "La chèvre"[1]. In 1833, the Carthusians returned to work repairing the walls and vault, redoing the roof, and installing a bell tower. Bishop Pierre-Joseph Rey inaugurated the renovated chapel during the summer of 1836[3]. It received various donations, including from Converset David François Marie[citation needed]. In 1847, it was finally transferred to the churchyard[1]. Processions would go there to pray for rain or good weather; but Bishop Louis Rendu banned these events in 1852[citation needed]. In 1855, it was burned to the ground. A violent wind blew as the Abbey building burned and burning embers set it alight in turn[1]. Nothing new remained except the walls. M Chappaz undertook a collection throughout the parish and had repairs carried out during 1856: plaster vault, roof, bell tower, gallery, floor, altar[3]. On July 11, 1857, the renovated chapel was blessed.

The lake is 900 m long and covers an area of 15 hectares. The northwest shore is marked by a small peninsula, a sign of the advance of the landslide that created the lake. The eastern and western shores are relatively steep, while the northern and southern shores form gentle slopes. The lake was initially named "Lac de Chauronde"[note 1 by Léon Moret[3] in reference to the town of Chauronde where the landslide blocked the Brevon Valley. The name "Lac de Vallon" was finally defined by Bernard Dussart[2] in reference to the name of the valley, Vallon.

First of all, the way down is definitely difficult for some people, as the steps vary greatly in height, and the way back down is also difficult due to their length and gradient. A truly beautiful gorge, with fantastic views and a lovely hiking trail. Unfortunately, the gorge is a bit pricey; we paid €76 for four adults and one child. For that, we were able to walk through the gorge for about an hour. You could also walk through this gorge several times without having to pay an extra fee.

A truly beautiful gorge, with fantastic views and a lovely hiking trail. Unfortunately, the gorge is a bit pricey; we paid €76 for four adults and one child. For that, we were able to walk through the gorge for about an hour. You could also walk through this gorge several times without paying any extra.