snow melt | schwingeninswitzerland

La Jonction is the point where the Rhône River and the Aarve River converge, their confluence. The Rhône descends from the Alps (the Rhone Glacier in Valais) into the far end of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). The water is then filtered while passing through deep Lake Geneva, coming out the other end an even clearer, brighter blue.

The Aarve is snowmelt directly from the Alps and is still full of sediment. Since it didn’t spend time in the lake being warmed by the sun, it is also much colder. Last August, I dipped my finger in in. It was over 32 degrees (0 Celsius), but not much. Bbrrrr. Our friends rafted down the Rhône and said that the bottom of their raft became noticeably cooler after the confluence of the Aarve at Jonction.

They can see the drastic difference in their color and sediment at the point where they meet. I’ve heard it described as Blue Curacao next to Bailey’s Irish Cream. After they join, the Rhone becomes greener and cloudier.

There is a lot of natural beauty in Switzerland. If Jonction were located elsewhere, it would probably get more attention. Here, it has to compete with stunning mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes.

Geneve/La Jonction (Photo credit: silviaN)

Jonction is also a neighborhood in Geneva, located near the rivers’ confluence, one side is bordered by the Rhône and another by the Aarve. By the way, if people tell you to meet them at Jonction on a hot day, make sure to bring a swimsuit. The Rhône side of Jonction has a giant grassy area where people picnic and sunbathe. They jump in the river and float downstream to cool down. Oh yeah, they also jump off of bridges. We’ll do it again soon.

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The Rothschild’s developed Megève as an alternative to St. Mortiz in the 1920’s. It’s high end, filled with pretty people, money and stylish places to spend it. The center of the village is medieval, but don’t start thinking Megève is quiet, sleepy and/or antiquated. There are stylish modern boutique hotels and chalets that look like they were decorated by Axel Veervoordt. Gourmet restaurants (many rated in the Michelin Guide), chic watering holes and hip clubs abound. Non-skiers can shop ‘til they drop at upscale boutiques, visit the spa or hit the casino. If you want to take a nap then rip it up apres ski, this is a good place to do it.

A pedestrian friendly atmosphere dominates Megève and the streets practically invite you to stroll through them. You can walk from town to the lifts. Snow melt forms a small river that meanders its way through the village. In its center is the main square with its traditional church belfry.

While we didn’t see any of the famous horse-drawn sleighs, we were able to see signs of them. Ski slopes, chalets and around forty active farms surround Megève, adding both character and fresh culinary delights.