Last updated September 6, 2007.

This high (3772 feet altitude) pass, Col de la Forclaz, is accessible by car and provides a great view of the lake from its south east corner. Apparently the best tartiflette in the region, according to The New York Times, is served at Le Princaz, a short hike up from the Col. Also above the Col is the take off point for the dozens of parapente (parasailors) we  see every day from below.

This view is of the lower part of the lake from the route to Col de la Forclaz.

This dog is casually sitting at the top of the ramp used to launch hang gliders over the edge. One misstep and sudden death.

We went back on a beautiful day with Natalie, Paul, and Linda. Click here to see this ramp in action launching a hang glider.

A cow checking out the scenery.

A little village on the edge of a cliff across the lake.

We climbed up the hill and watched the launch of quite a few parapentes (parasailers). Click here, here, and here for three such launches.

We then climbed back down to the restaurant for lunch, Linda stopping on the way for the scenery. 

A view of four parapente while seated at our table at La Princaz restaurant.

We all ordered Tartiflette and suffered from "cheese ball stomach." A Tartiflette is potatoes, bacon, eggs and onions covered with a generous portion of Reblochon cheese and baked. The salad was served in a canning jar with a large slice of prosciutto on the side. Our arteries were screaming. We learned that the natives rarely eat tartiflette in the summer, but it is a standard winter dish.  This was probably our first and last tartiflette.

The little bump just to the right of center on the top is the Crêt De Châtillon as seen from the Col de la Forclaz.

The low point to the right is the Col de la Forclaz as seen from the bateau omnibus. A little up the slope to the left you can see the roof of La Princaz restaurant reflecting in the sun. The clearing in the top left corner of the photo is the main launch area.