Le Catogne
If you look down the Rhône valley from Lac Léman on a clear day, you can see past the point where the valley does its ninety degree turn to the north-east, and see sitting on its own a conical mountain called Le Catogne. It's a classic view and a distinctive mountain and so for many years I have wanted to walk up there. In late autumn we did just that, and hiked up with some friends, starting from Champex Lac.
Les Aiguilles d'Arpette with a light dusting of snow.
Val d'Arpette leading up to the Plateau du Trient.
Aiguille du Tour on the right, Aiguille d'Argentière on the left.
It was still hot weather then — the temperatures have since plummeted and the Catogne now has a crown of snow — and it was a sweaty walk up the surprisingly steep path to the top. The view over the surrounding mountains, and especially over to the Glacier du Trient, got more and more impressive as we climbed.
The mighty Grand Combin (4314 m).
The view from the top, looking back towards Lac Léman.
We were far from the fog over the lake.
Les Dents du Midi.
Grand Combin from the summit of the Catogne.
After hanging out on the summit for a while, enjoying the views, we turned and walked back down through the beautiful autumn forest.
