Annecy and Chamonix

Travelled:196km
Visited: Annecy, Chateau Menton Saint Bernard, Chamonix
Stay: Chamonix- free parking next to paragliding landing field

After a bit of a stressful drive through the centre of town of Annecy, we managed to find our way out and heading towards the lake. We  found a parking spot and decided, even though it was raining, we would go for a walk along the lake back to the Vielle Ville (old quarter). We were not disappointed and enjoyed admiring the architecture with the stream running through the centre. After taking lots of photos we headed back to Bluey. 

Just as we were heading off to our next destination we had a short moment of panic when we realised that we had locked ourselves OUT of Bluey. Whilst I was on the phone to Ford hoping they could help, the others found a more practicle solution of breaking in through a window. With no damage we were in. We felt relieved in one way but also realised that if someone wanted to break in, they could. Any way, all things are designed for honest people! We made our way to Chateau Menton Saint Bernard and had an English tour of the castle. It has been in the Menthon family for 22 generations and they still live here. We visited 7 of the 105 rooms, some very unique and in great condition as it was not damaged in the Revolution as at the time it was not a part of France but part of the Savoie dukedom. The legend has it that the Saint Bernard rescue dogs were named after Saint Bernard who was born here in 1008.

After the enjoyable visit we took the autoroute to Chamonix. We managed to find a parking spot next to the paragliding landing field. After 'apperitifs' we wandered into town and went out for dinner.

Beaune to Nantua France

Travelled:337km
Visited: Beaune, Nantua
Stay:Nantua-aire, € parking (free because we did not know where to pay) and free services GPS N46.15497 E5.59656

It was a good day for driving as the weather was wet so we weren't wasting a sunny day! We managed to stay dry whilst we were visiting Beaune and the amazing l'Hotel Dieu. This was a hospital for the poor built in 1443. It has a beautiful coloured pattern roof and another building has a slate roof. The Great Hall also had some interesting features. It was an enjoyable visit. 

One of the many 'heads' on the ceiling

Part of a beautiful tapestry.

A hugh fireplace

Silver wine tasting cups.

We couldn't resist trying out some of the nougat.

After a stroll around the old quarter and lunch, we set off again and got some kms done, getting into Nantua at 5pm. The aire was nearly full but we managed to find a couple of spots with a lovely view looking out on to the lake. Before dinner we had a walk along the lake and into Centre Ville.

Meeting up with Aussie friends

Travelled:216km
Stay:Gurgy-aire, free parking and dumping, € water/electricity. GPS N47°51.841' E3°33.281'

Drove up towards our pick up point in Veron (just South of Sens) to meet up with Bob and Robyn. On the way we stopped at a couple of aires that may be a stop for us on the way back to the Alps.  We visited Cravant and Gurgy near Auxerre and then St Julien du Sault. We then made our way to Veron, where Bob and Robyn hired a motorhome from francemotorhomehire.com . Once the check-in had bern completed, we did some shopping then headed back South to the aire in Gurgy located on the canal. By then thr sun had popped out and we had a lovely dinner and chat before retiring for the night.

Heading North

Travelled:277km from Montluel
Visited: with family, the autoroute A6
Stay: Semur en Auxois- aire, free parking and services GPS N47°29.705' E4°20.966'

We spent a very pleasant weekend with my cousin Isabelle, Patrick and their son Thomas (Leo was away). We are once again very appreciative of their hospitality and enjoyed wonderful meals together. 

After we said our goodbyes, we were on the autoroute heading North to meet up with our friends, Bob and Robyn, tomorrow. They have hired a motorhome (a Bluey) and we will travel together for two weeks.
As we started late in the day, after having had a yummy BBQ lunch, we decided to stop at an aire on the way after a few hours driving. The rest of the evening was spent giving Bluey a much needed cleanup. After a pit stop we will be all set to go tommorrow.

Saone Valley

Travelled:50km
Visited:Beauregard, Trevoux
Stay: Montluel at cousins house.

Drove thtough picturesque country side and stopped to have breaky and a walk in Beauregard. 

We then stopped and strolled in the old quartrer of the ancient capital of the Dombes, Trevoux.

As our friends, Mike and Jan would say, a f.a (fat ass) cream cake! ....it did have fruit on it.

We spent a relaxing afternoon at my cousins home in Montluel and then enjoyed a lovely dinner at the local Italian Restaurant.