Autumn In and Around the Alps, a Photo Essay

Posted on 19. Oct, 2011 by Marie-Eve Vallieres in Destinations, Europe Travel, France, Photo Posts, Switzerland

Ahhh, autumn. It’s always been my favorite season of the year, way above spring flowers, summer drinks and in my case, snow shovel in winter. I don’t know if it’s the taste of apple crumble, the sounds of the leaves under my feet, the romantic afternoon light, the cozy scarves…  but mixed with the dramatic Alpine scenery, it doesn’t get any better!

I went on yet another road trip this weekend: around Lake Leman. I knew it was going to be magnificent, but I truly never expected anything like this - and I was treated with amazing sights of autumn in the Alps.

First, I had a mandatory stop in Annecy to get my fondue fix (I know most people would’ve waited to get to Switzerland, but Le Fréti is just too good to pass).  And Annecy is such a lovely town, every little stop is worthwhile.

Then I was off to western Switzerland. I was really excited to visit the towns around Lake Leman because it had been on my bucket list for a long time, and because I am obviously a sucker for autumn scenery. As usual, I only had a few days to cover the area so I cramped in as much as possible, especially in Lausanne, where I only stayed an afternoon (but I will definitely be going back eventually, because it is one cool city!).

Then it was off to drive through the famous Lavaux terraces. The scene is quite something to take in from the road down by the lake, but it gets even better as you drive up the steep hills and put your manual transmission lessons to test. Between the yellow vineyards, the shiny Lake Leman and the distant outline of the Alps, you just never know where to look. Lavaux terraces were definitely one of the highlights of my Swiss trip, and I would be curious to know what it looks like in the spring or the summer.

Lavaux terraces

Shortly after, I headed to the western tip of the lake in Montreux, more precisely at Château de Chillon. I have visited countless European castles and I have to say, Chillon is one of my favorite ones so far. The castle was holding a “witch hunt evening” after hours that night, with actors, candles and Halloween-themed food, and although I didn’t stay until the end, it was a lot of fun (and as a person who is death-scared of masks, I was truly petrified when one of the weird creatures came running after me).

The next day, it was time for some serious mountains - namely the Mont-Blanc. The drive to Chamonix, on the road cleverly called the “White Road”, was very pretty. If it wasn’t for the 3000+ meters mountains, I would’ve thought I was having a Sunday afternoon drive in Quebec! But you know you’re definitely experiencing autumn in the Alps when the Mont-Blanc appears before you, snow-capped and nothing short of massive. I walked around the beautiful village of Chamonix, which is filled with cafés, pâtisseries and alpine shops, resulting in a relaxed atmosphere.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy the fall? Have you ever seen autumn in the Alps? Is autumn your favorite season to travel?

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Tags: France, photography, roadtrip, sights, switzerland