Nethercott Chalet Fund report –Matilda Devlin (2024, Interdisciplinary Bioscience)

This summer, I was fortunate enough to join the second Univ reading party at the Chalet des Anglais, situated 1680m high in the foothills of Mont Blanc. Together with a group of fellow students, the trip offered an opportunity to walk and read in this Alpine setting.

Over the course of ten days, we settled into a routine of alternate days of reading and walking. Reading days began at a slower pace, with pastries brought up by the morning’s “croissant run” from St Gervais. The Chalet proved the ideal environment for a morning of focused reading or study around the fire. With few distractions besides the mountain views and occasional Alpine storm, it was a welcome change from the bustle of Oxford. Afternoons were free time — a chance to take shorter walks, help with tasks around the Chalet, or continue reading.

By contrast, walking days were rather more strenuous, but with spectacular scenery. While all four walks were impressive and demanding, the most notable was the highly anticipated walk to Nid d’Aigle (2372m) and Tête Rousse (3167m). Having set off at 4am, we reached the refuge at Nid d’Aigle before 7am, in time to watch the sunrise for breakfast. Despite harsher conditions higher up, between Nid d’Aigle and Tête Rousse, the views from the mountain were extraordinary, and the walk itself unforgettable.

In the Chalet’s salon, photos and artwork recall the many groups who have stayed over the years, and a library of diaries records the walks and events of reading parties dating back to 1891. It was a privilege to learn about the Chalet’s remarkable history, and to feel connected to the long tradition of Univ students who have made the ascent and taken in this unique and special setting.

I am incredibly grateful to the Acer Nethercott Fund, and to Stephen, Keith and Simon for a very memorable ten days at the Chalet.

Published: 21 November 2025

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