We have recovered very well from last Sunday’s marathon in Berlin. We had planned to hike to this 300-year-old oak tree since we recently learned that just last year it was added to the list of the most remarkable trees in France. It stands alone on the top of the hill of 617 meters, and can be seen more than 15 kilometers away in Grésivaudan valley, for instance in our long runs by the river.

We took a bus from the university campus to Uriage-les-Bains (at about 400 meters) and started walking from there, first to Venon, and then down to Gières. Total distance we covered was 15.37km, with the ascent of 608m and descent of 816m.

We were really lucky that there were no other people on this little hill when we were there. The tree is on the private land, but the landowner allows people to visit there, have picnics or wedding photo shoots, or even concerts — however, the fake piano that can be seen in the pictures is there for a movie filming purposes.  On “best” days more than hundred people visit this little hill (and leave tons of trash behind 🙁 ) so we were quite surprised and happy there were no others around on this lovely September Sunday. Only when we were coming down we met the first ones.

The little oak tree is also featured in the street signs of Venon.