The Jura region is one of the most exceptional landscapes I've seen in Switzerland; it is also one of the most under-promoted, internationally speaking. If you want to step into a Currier & Ives Christmas card, this is the place to come.
It occurred to me on Saturday morning that we might actually be able to do a real sleigh ride in this area after my daughter asked if we could take her friends horseback riding for a birthday party. Not sure I wanted to take the risk of having inexperienced eleven year olds fall off some of the strongest animals in the world, I googled sleigh rides in the Franches Montagnes, and came up with this:
I called. Can you do it? For 180 CHF, Mr Boichat will give you an hour ride through the most natural of landscapes. The expert horse breeder actually takes his tractor out to pack down the path before you arrive, only this time too much snow made it impossible to level. The brave beasts had to jump and heave on the harness to get us down the "Champs Elysées", as he so proudly calls it.
"I've been to Paris," confides Boichat, "Nothing there but a bunch of people piled together. I'm happy out here, on my land. Couldn't live anywhere else." Adding with the first smile I'd seen since I met him: "I'll sleep well tonight!".
He took us out for 90 minutes in all, me and five little girls having the time of their lives. Who says young people are all about technology?
Across the way is the Peu-Péquignot Inn, where I'm told you can eat the best rösti in these parts. And they're open for Valentine's Day... I checked.
Maybe my Russian is reading this and taking the hint?
9 comments:
Wouahhhhhhh ! Que dire à part wouahhhhhh ? Que de charme, c'est trop beau !!!
C'est fou! J'ai pensé tout le week-end aux Franches-Montagnes! (soupir) Je devrai continuer d'y penser avec les belles images que tu nous offres. Je me vois errer à l'infini dans les bois enneigés? Dis-moi que je suis normale!
What a wonderful birthday present and experience for all of you! Did a thought of Laura Ingalls emerge during the ride? :)
Some ride....!!!!!
What fun..!!
Costas
A great adventure in a winter wonderland. A birthday your daughter will remember. Great photos, thanks,,,M
What an amazing birthday present! She will remember that for the rest of her life. And you look adorable, as always. :)
i had goosebumps reading this. what a WONDERFUL time for those girls - and you! :)
A fun time it has been a while since I did anything like this. I am waiting for a friend to call to ride, even mud can be tough on those ponies.
Gorgeous and this looks like it was so much fun! I can imagine that the kids loved it!
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