There’s a bit of an irony to all the
facilities at Camping Divonne Les Bains on the Swiss-French border. Set within the edges
of a thick forest that tumbles down one of the highest mountains in the Jura
range – La Dôle – it has a magnetic location for all outdoorsy types. Yet,
geared to accommodate family campers, as well as hardy backpacking folk,
there’s a complete spectrum of onsite options too. A tennis court, heated
outdoor swimming pool, volley ball court and pétanque pitch all leave you wondering, why the need to create such
an elaborate onsite playground when the continent’s natural playground is right
on your doorstep?
The resulting campsite is expansive, with
almost 200 different pitches. Massed among the trees, however, each pitch still
retains its own sense of privacy, while multiple wash-blocks – immaculately
clean and well looked after – mean, wherever you choose to pop the tent, you’ll
never have too far to walk. With so much on offer, there really is something
for everyone and the campsite is a diverse mix of backpackers, rock climbers
and mountain bikers, combined with friendly family groups, lounging by the
poolside or warming up on the tennis court.
It’s away from your pinecone scattered
pitch that the real benefits of this campsite are found, though. Right from the
entrance of the campsite there are trails leading into the trees and up the
angular sides of La Dôle – a summit of 1677 meters. If you’re feeling lazy, you
can drive a few minutes into Switzerland and up the paved road in Gingins to Chalet de la Dôle just below the peak.
If you’re walking it’s a great place to stop for fuel. From the top, the Alps
spread away to the East, while Lake Geneva spreads below. It's here, on the
waterside, that you can spend the rest of your days, boating, bathing and
generally having a boon.