Creux du Van

Quite a contrast today to the previous three days - to the hills we did go! The Creux du Van, a natural rock arena of immense proportions, is sometimes referred to as Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. 

We left Neuchâtel late this morning for the “vertical” drive of 1400 metres to reach the Creux du Van. A slow trip on some winding and narrow roads. The bonus is that you get some breathtaking views. 

Reaching the top the first thing you notice is the temperature change - still a sunny day but the altitude brings very cooling winds. 

The Creux du Van is an impressive 160 metres high vertical rock-faces surround a four kilometre long and over one kilometre wide valley basin. The formation has been carved out over 200 million years, first by glacial activity and then the rivers and streams shaping the old limestone deposits of a prehistoric ocean. 

We had lunch and then set out to follow the walking track around the rim of the amphitheater. We were treated to spectacular views the whole walk, which also include the further viewing point at Le Soliat, 1463 metres, the highest point on this mountain. From Le Soliat we had fantastic views across to the French Alps and the snow capped Mt Blanc. 

On the walk we were also treated to a “musical recital” from the grazing cows and their cowbells. We know now where the phrase “mad cow disease” might have come from - the constant sounding of the bells at the slightest movement of the head must drive the poor old cows batty!

We later joined Martin and Karene in the small town of Couvet for the evening. Martin was keen to watch the Switzerland vs Serbia in the soccer. We all took a walk to the village where the locals we in the streets watching the game - with publicans providing food for all their football following clients. 

A much cooler night up the valley from the lake. We left the game early and headed back to the van. Just discovered, though, that the Swiss won with a goal in the last minute of the game!