EURO TOUR 2023 - Stage 1 - Annecy (France)

Stage 1 - Annecy - Tues 19th to Thu 21st Sept 

Arriving in glorious sunshine, which lasted most of the two days…and first I needed to plant my tent. The first place the reception was on a 3 hour siesta, in friggin September, and the second was full for the next two days, so I dumped my car, and decided to complete the circuit of the lake, and then look for a campsite.

However I killed two birds, as after only 25 mins, I passed a campsite and popped by….and a nice setting it was to (20 euros per night for reference). The ride was very nice, one I’d done some 12 ish years ago, on my road bike!

 I popped into Annecy in the evening, including a walk at sunset along the lake…very nice centre and walk of course. (* leaving the campsite the sill on my car had an argument with a very low concealed post…Awaiting for Hamish to advise on whether I can continue the trip!) 😫 ** STOP PRESS: “It’s only cosmetic” 😅

Awaking to glorious sunshine, after breakie, some reading, watching the hot air balloons and eventually set off on a more arduous ride. In fact another repeat from years ago, on the 16km climb up to the summit of Mt Semnoz, I didn’t really enjoy that part..Too long, nearly all in trees and on tarmac, back ache, a gravel bike etc etc 

But the views on the top were worthwhile, looking across the Alps with Mt Blanc standing proud.😍

It was nearly all downhill after, creating a circuit, along a typical elevated Alpine valley…wooden chalets, cows with bells, beautiful views…Tremendous!

After a recovery, I drove up to the Col de Forclaz (8km from the start) and what a delightful setting, overlooking the Lake, with a constant flow of paragliders whilst I drank my coffee and ate my blueberry pie! 

A pitstop at McDonalds (Jamie’s fault) mainly so I could use the WiFi…after which I eventually found the rather concealed Lake Bar…a huge American style sports bar, with interestingm sexy bar girls to match…it reminded me of the film Coyote Ugly! Shame they never jumped on the bar and produced a dance, well, not while I was there!

 And then, the two night rule completed, so tomorrow off to my next stop….Chamonix