St-Cergue
Intro
Saint-Cergue is located at 1041 m at the entrance to the Col de la Givrine, to the east of the impressive Jura peak of La Dôle. Its situation, high above Lake Geneva, offers wonderful wide views of the whole alpine chain as far as Mont Blanc. The main attractions of this resort are the peaceful landscape of the Jura and the fresh, scented air of the extensive forests.
Description
It was in the middle of the 19th century that this village in the Jura developed into an alpine spa, being given an additional boost in 1916 with the construction of the railway. The narrow-gauge railway follows a pretty route over 20 km from the shores of Lake Geneva in Nyon, twisting round numerous bends up to Saint-Cergue and then on over the Col de la Givrine as far as the Swiss border at La Cure, the end of the line.
Winter
Winter hikers and snow-shoe walkers will find footpaths and trails in the deep snow of this extensive area. Saint-Cergue is an important centre for rearing dogs for dog-sledging, and visitors have the opportunity to take a thrilling ride in a dog-sledge.
Summer
Another popular hike takes you up to the summit of La Dôle. As well as walking, there are also a number of other less well-known activities available in Saint-Cergue such as grass skiing, grass scootering ("Trottinherbe"), swin golf (a rustic version of golf with a three-sided club and a larger ball) and archery. Last but not least, the area is a paradise for riders and mountain bikers. There is also a via ferrata (fixed-cable climb) for those who like to tackle mountains vertically.