SATIGNY TO LA PLAINE ALONG THE ALLONDON RIVER

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Walk Overview:Distance: 12 km approx.Approximate walking time: 3 hours approx.Start: Satigny train station Finish: La Plaine train station

We started this walk at Satigny train station and made our way through the village before heading uphill towards the hamlet of Choully. The road to Choully was lined with vineyards, creating a particularly beautiful approach. Perched on a hillside, the hamlet offered lovely views before we followed a road descending towards Moulin Fabry.

Our walk along the River Allondon began here, on the French border. Much of this section followed forest paths beside the river, with numerous small trails leading down to the water's edge. Some were easy to follow, while others were more overgrown, but many rewarded us with beautiful views of the river.

One particularly remarkable spot featured broad, smooth rock slabs and cascading water, creating an ideal place to pause and relax. From there, we continued deeper into the forest before rejoining the riverbank. Eventually, we emerged into a campsite, where holidaymakers were enjoying the summer atmosphere, chatting with friends, playing pétanque, and relaxing outdoors.

Following the signposted walking route through the campsite, we reached a bridge crossing the Allondon. From here, we enjoyed spectacular views upstream and downstream. After crossing the bridge, we found a car park on our left, from which a woodland trail led back towards the river. We followed this path, staying as close to the water as possible. Along the way, there were numerous places to stop by the river, including pebble beaches and large rocks beside the water.

Partway along the route, we caught glimpses of the Centre Nature du Vallon de l'Allondon and its picnic area. The trail that followed formed part of an educational nature trail created by the centre. Further on, the path briefly skirted the edge of a car park before returning to the woods. Eventually, we passed beneath the bridge carrying Route de Malval and emerged onto Route de l'Allondon, with Malval Chapel standing on our right.

After walking a short distance along the road, a sign directed us back into a small wooded area. We soon found ourselves on a path crossing open countryside, with the river on our left, sometimes visible through the vegetation and sometimes hidden from view. We continued along this pleasant section, occasionally taking short detours to the riverbank or enjoying glimpses of the water through the trees.

At one point, we crossed a small wooden bridge over the Eaux-Froides stream before bearing left and remaining on the flat track. After passing around a metal barrier, we reached Route du Mandement.
We crossed the road and climbed into the vineyards, turning left towards La Plaine. The walk concluded with a gentle descent offering magnificent views of the river Rhône, the surrounding countryside, and the village below, before arriving at La Plaine train station for our return journey to Geneva.