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Auberge de Pont-de-Nant
1888 Les Plans-sur-Bex
Tel.: 024 498 14 95 – Fax 024 498 34 90
http://pont-de-nant.ch
e-mail: info@pont-de-nant.ch

Sylvie and David Berger’s restaurant and hostel is in an idyllic albeit isolated setting well worth the drive. Located 10 kilometers from Bex, at the foot of the breathtaking Grand Muveran mountain, they offer standard snack fare as well as gourmet meals.

The menu changes every day or so, so there are no daily specials in the traditional sense of the word. For the gourmet meals, starters average between CHF10 and 20, and main courses between CHF20 and 35. I strongly recommend calling ahead, especially if you are going in a group.

Groups are welcome, and reasonably priced, dormitory-style lodging is available.

Pont-de-Nant is not accessible by road during the winter, so they will be opening on 27 June 2009. It is also a bit difficult to reach, so study your map before you take off.

Other sites that may be of interest in planning a weekend or even several days in the area are listed below.

www.sakkado.ch
www.natscape.ch
www.apetitspas.ch
www.alpagedelavare.ch

Their own site gives even more ideas for children.

Refuge de Solalex
1882 Gryon
Tel. 024 498 27 09

The Refuge de Solalex has about as good a raclette as you can find. Jacques Chesaux makes all the condiments straight from scratch, and he doesn’t skimp: pickles, pickled onions, pickled mushrooms, pickled cabbage, and viande de Grison (spicy dried beef) all come with the cheese, grilled in front of an open wood fire.

His tomato fondue is about the best around, as are all the other fondues, thanks to the quality of the cheese as well as to his grandmother’s recipes. Jacques buys 700 to 800 kilograms of Valais tomatoes every year, and vacuum packs them for use year round for his tomato fondue and tomato soup.

The Mont d’Or is roasted over a wood fire, and comes with a large assortment of Jacque’s condiments. The wild mushroom tart and wild mushroom and tomato soups are also a pure but rich delight, along with the curry salad dressing and delicious traditional local desserts made by his partner Valérie.

You can sit inside in the rustic chalet, or outside where you have a splendid view of the rocky Miroir d’Argentine mountain.

The terrace is open all year. The site is surrounded by hiking trails for summer, and cross country and snowshoeing ski tracks for winter.

In summer, it is easy to get there by car or on foot. It’s basically up the mountain from Gryon.

In winter, the road is converted into tracks, so Jacques and Valérie drive people up the mountain in a snowmobile. Children and adults alike love this, especially on a starry night after a fresh snowfall. Reservations are strongly recommended, and imperative in winter.

Daily special CHF18. Fondues CHF22 to 25. All-you-can-eat raclette CHF32. Possible to stop in for just a drink or a snack after a long hike.

Open non-stop. Closed on Thursdays and usually from mid-November to Christmas.

Auberge des Vieux-Chênes
1243 Presinge
Tel. 022 756 12 07

This family-run business knows how to meet family needs.

It is extremely child-friendly, in every way. They offer children a variety of smaller portions of dishes you find on the regular menu, but without the “weird” stuff kids often don’t like. And the staff knows how to talk to children and tend to their personal needs.

While you calmly sip your wine on the terrace that gives on to an enclosed garden, the children can play in the playground or with the rabbits, ducks and dogs, just as if they were at home in their own back yard, all within your view.

The food is mostly traditional, with some modern and interesting twists now and again, such as a summer-style pot au feu, served cold with a remoulade sauce. It is not gourmet dining, but good food in a good atmosphere, where your children are welcome with open arms.

The Auberge des Vieux-Chênes is a perfect place for a Sunday summer jaunt into the nearby Geneva countryside.

The average price is about CHF75 for adults including wine, and CHF35 for children. They have a good selection of drinkable local Geneva wines served by the deciliter.

Château des Avenières
74350 Cruseilles
France
Tel. + 33 (0) 4 50 44 02 23 – Fax + 33 (0) 4 50 44 29 09
http://www.chateau-des-avenieres.com

A 20-minute drive from Geneva, the Château des Avenières, located on the Salève mountain in France, offers panoramic views and a luxurious setting.

Make sure and request a terrace table and ask about the weather conditions before going. If the weather is bad, don’t worry. The dining room is more than worthy of any château.

Fixed-price menus run from 58 to 88 euros, and business lunches go for 29 euros. The restaurant is new, so we are yet to try it, but you will not be disappointed by the view and the exquisite site.

The website gives detailed driving instructions and maps, as well as how to access it by public transport.

The castle also offers 4-star hotel package deals with pool, spa and luxurious rooms, more appropriate for couples seeking a romantic weekend.

The Salève offers numerous activities, which can all be started from the cable car or “téléphérique” in Etrembières. Once you’re up there, there is literally an outdoor activity to suit every age and taste: hang gliding, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and botanical and geological paths and tours. There is also a picnic area and lots of places to snack.

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