The activities around
the Chalet Laya
To see, to do
Visits
Merlet Park
Open from May to September, the Merlet Animal Park can quickly be taken by storm, especially in the middle of summer, so you will have to reserve your entrance.
The visit to the park can be free or guided, with different routes. Themed stages, fun activities ideal for children, take the time to observe alpine wildlife against the background of an exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc massif.
Don't forget your binoculars!
The Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix culminates at an altitude of 3842m and is accessible by cable car departing from Chamonix. It is a memorable experience in a magical place in the heart of the high mountains and its mountaineers. Remember to reserve your cabin for the ascent!
The hamlet of Bionnassay
Bionnassay is a hamlet located at an altitude of 1330m, overlooked by the majestic Dôme DuGouter and the Aiguille de Bionnassay. Inhabited all year round by around thirty souls, when you walk there you can easily imagine yourself in the time of Belle and Sébastien or the Malabar Princess.
In this postcard setting, escape to magnificent alpine meadows before accessing the mineral world and discover this essential gateway to the high mountains.
Baroque art
Discover Baroque art through the many churches and chapels in the region. Several circuits are available according to your desires: on foot, by mountain bike, by car from village to village.
Visit the Museum of Sacred Art and admire the vaults painted in the famous Saint-Nicolas blue, the numerous silverware objects, sculptures and liturgical textiles that belonged to the church, but also to the surrounding chapels.
I offer guided tours to discover small chapels along the paths around the chalet.
The thermal baths
The exploitation of hot and sulphur springs began in the 19th century. Four bathtubs were installed then, following a growing reputation, the baths became a prestigious hotel establishment welcoming excursionists leaving for the Tour of Mont Blanc and long-term travelers in the Alps.
Today, Saint-Gervais thermal water is recognized by the National Academy of Medicine. The center is open all year round. You can come to a cure, relax with your family or book a specific treatment. Remember to book especially during the vacation period.
The Thermal Park
Tranquility and freshness for some sports pleasures for others. You will be able to:
- Hike : Get there on foot from St Gervais by the hiking trail and cross the Bonnier torrent footbridge or simply take a walk in the park;
- Relax on the terrace of the bar, around the little train for your children;
- Climb : The initiation cliff is a large, very well equipped slab (Priority to Saint-Gervais guides on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Ideal for children: wide and flat ground, grass. Rocher: gneiss; rating up to 5b
- The big cliff, made of schist limestone, is slightly overhanging but some roads are cut by ledges. It is best known for “hugging” from 6b to 7a. This area is well shaded and can be climbed in rainy weather. Medium cliff foot for kids.
- Via Ferrata : Attention!!! it is very difficult with numerous physical and technical passages. It includes 3 consecutive sections. The difficulty is increasing and at the end of each section, it is possible to leave the course and easily return to the village by a path. The level of the 3 successive sections is AD+ | D+ | TD+. It is highly recommended that you have already done this activity. Rock climbing will help a lot. Good physical condition, good body muscles and a good capacity to gain weight are essential. The fear of emptiness, which can be tested before departure, can be prohibitive.
Mont Blanc Tramway
A small cog train takes you to the gateway to the ascent of Mont Blanc by the normal route where many mountaineers meet at the terminus: the Refuge du Nid d'Aigle where you can approach the Bionnassay glacier up close and enjoy the walk in a very mineral universe.
You can stop at the Bellevue Plateau and discover beautiful walks to do with the family while contemplating the peaks of Chamonix.
Saint Gervais
Renowned for cures, it is a few kilometers from the thermal baths that the center of the village welcomes you. Sunny, facing the mountains, this city has attracted people since the 19th century because “the air purified by the glaciers, embalmed by the scents of the forests” is beneficial and restorative for the body and the mind.
As you stroll through the city, you can contemplate the shops, the terraces but also read the architecture of the different eras that followed one another.
Merlet Park
Open from May to September, the Merlet Animal Park can quickly be taken by storm, especially in the middle of summer, so you will have to reserve your entrance.
The visit to the park can be free or guided, with different routes. Themed stages, fun activities ideal for children, take the time to observe alpine wildlife against the background of an exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc massif.
Don't forget your binoculars!
The Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix culminates at an altitude of 3842m and is accessible by cable car departing from Chamonix. It is a memorable experience in a magical place in the heart of the high mountains and its mountaineers. Remember to reserve your cabin for the ascent!
The hamlet of Bionnassay
Bionnassay is a hamlet located at an altitude of 1330m, overlooked by the majestic Dôme DuGouter and the Aiguille de Bionnassay. Inhabited all year round by around thirty souls, when you walk there you can easily imagine yourself in the time of Belle and Sébastien or the Malabar Princess.
In this postcard setting, escape to magnificent alpine meadows before accessing the mineral world and discover this essential gateway to the high mountains.
Baroque art
Discover Baroque art through the many churches and chapels in the region. Several circuits are available according to your desires: on foot, by mountain bike, by car from village to village.
Visit the Museum of Sacred Art and admire the vaults painted in the famous Saint-Nicolas blue, the numerous silverware objects, sculptures and liturgical textiles that belonged to the church, but also to the surrounding chapels.
I offer guided tours to discover small chapels along the paths around the chalet.
The thermal baths
The exploitation of hot and sulphur springs began in the 19th century. Four bathtubs were installed then, following a growing reputation, the baths became a prestigious hotel establishment welcoming excursionists leaving for the Tour of Mont Blanc and long-term travelers in the Alps.
Today, Saint-Gervais thermal water is recognized by the National Academy of Medicine. The center is open all year round. You can come to a cure, relax with your family or book a specific treatment. Remember to book especially during the vacation period.
The Thermal Park
Tranquility and freshness for some sports pleasures for others. You will be able to:
- Hike : Get there on foot from St Gervais by the hiking trail and cross the Bonnier torrent footbridge or simply take a walk in the park;
- Relax on the terrace of the bar, around the little train for your children;
- Climb : The initiation cliff is a large, very well equipped slab (Priority to Saint-Gervais guides on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Ideal for children: wide and flat ground, grass. Rocher: gneiss; rating up to 5b
- The big cliff, made of schist limestone, is slightly overhanging but some roads are cut by ledges. It is best known for “hugging” from 6b to 7a. This area is well shaded and can be climbed in rainy weather. Medium cliff foot for kids.
- Via Ferrata : Attention!!! it is very difficult with numerous physical and technical passages. It includes 3 consecutive sections. The difficulty is increasing and at the end of each section, it is possible to leave the course and easily return to the village by a path. The level of the 3 successive sections is AD+ | D+ | TD+. It is highly recommended that you have already done this activity. Rock climbing will help a lot. Good physical condition, good body muscles and a good capacity to gain weight are essential. The fear of emptiness, which can be tested before departure, can be prohibitive.
Mont Blanc Tramway
A small cog train takes you to the gateway to the ascent of Mont Blanc by the normal route where many mountaineers meet at the terminus: the Refuge du Nid d'Aigle where you can approach the Bionnassay glacier up close and enjoy the walk in a very mineral universe.
You can stop at the Bellevue Plateau and discover beautiful walks to do with the family while contemplating the peaks of Chamonix.
Saint Gervais
Renowned for cures, it is a few kilometers from the thermal baths that the center of the village welcomes you. Sunny, facing the mountains, this city has attracted people since the 19th century because “the air purified by the glaciers, embalmed by the scents of the forests” is beneficial and restorative for the body and the mind.
As you stroll through the city, you can contemplate the shops, the terraces but also read the architecture of the different eras that followed one another.
Summer & winter
The hikes
Why walk with a mountain guide?
Are you a beginner and don't dare to start? I can plan and accompany you on itineraries adapted to your abilities.
Hiking, yes, but not only... Along the way, I will be happy to animate the outing using my knowledge of the environment around us!
Walking in a group allows you to meet people sharing the same pleasure of being in nature outside, to experience beautiful moments of conviviality and discovery.
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To do, to see
Experiences
“Happiness comes from paying attention to the little things”
Presentation of your guide
What could be more beautiful than a sunset on a snowy summit? A moment shared with friends after a happy effort?
contact@randoetnature.ch
Traveler reviews
Testimonies
Monique
Paul
Allard
