MY ‘PICNIC IN THE ALPS’ HOTSPOTS - by Elyse Constantin

One of my favourite things to do in my spare time is exploring the mountains with family and friends with a picnic. The Swiss Alps offers a huge range of beautiful destinations to enjoy a picnic, and having lived here my whole life, I have tried them all… I think!

Here are some of my favourite hotspots, followed by what I include in my picnic hamper…

1. Lac Bleu - Arolla

I can’t help but stand in awe of the vivid blue waters at this stunning mountain lake every time I visit. It sits 2,090m high in the Val d’Hérens within a beautiful alpine setting and is my favourite place to enjoy local wine and cuisine with my friends on one of the surrounding picnic tables. It’s quite a walk to get here (45 mins from La Gouille) or 1h30 from Arolla), but it is certainly worth it.

2. Tseuzier Lake - Valais

This is a great peaceful picnic spot, popular with hikers, and being 1,777 metres above sea level, it’s a great one for mountain views too.

3. Lac de Tracouet – Nendaz

Also known as the ‘black lake’, this is another personal favourite of mine for a picnic. It’s 2,171m high at the foot of the Dent de Nendaz, accessible via cable car or foot from Haute-Nendaz to Tracouet.

4. Lac de derborence - Valais

Otherwise known as Devils Mountains – and the youngest natural lake in Switzerland - this gorgeous lake is set within the nature reserve of Derborence Valley and boasts an interesting history that will certainly call for interesting chatter over a picnic. This place really is a hidden piece of paradise.

SO WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT SWISS PICNIC?

Before you head off on your walk, make sure you buy fresh ingredients from a local market and wine shop. I love to include the following in my picnic hamper:

• A chilled bottle of local wine – I highly recommend Petite Arvine which comes from the Valais region
• Freshly baked baguette or pain de seigle (rye bread)
• Air dried meats from the valais
• Lettuce, tomato
• Cervelas sausage – a traditional swiss sausage flavoured with garlic, coriander, nutmeg and lightly smoked
• Fresh cherries
• Mirabelles (small plums)
• Gruyère cheese
• Swiss chocolate – but eat it quickly if it’s a hot day

And don’t forget cutlery, plates and napkins too.

Please do tag Alpine Homes Int into your picnic pictures on social media – I’d love to see them. You may find a spot that I don’t know about yet.

Enjoy! Elyse.