Samoëns France

The rain was insistent all during the night but we managed to have a good sleep with our earbuds in. We drove out of Flumet and up to the Col des Aravis (1488alt.). 

Obviously a popular cycle area.

Unfortunately the clouds were low so we could not see the full beauty of the area. Whilst we ate our breakfast we were serenaded by the cow bells. 

Further down we passed through the busy ski village of La Clusaz. We noticed road closures for the Women’s Tour De France cycle race so decided to keep going as not to get delayed.

The Col de la Colombiere was a bit underwhelming but may have been more impressive if we weren’t in the clouds and rain. 

A bit further down the mountain we stopped in La Reposoir. There is a dedicated Motorhomes parking area and a free service point. We strolled around the small village and quickly realised that its main attraction is the Chartreuse (convent) just out of town in a lovely setting with its lake and mountain backdrop. Although its beginnings were in 1151 it has seen some various changes including becoming a luxurious hotel and a health sanitarium but since 1932 it has remained a convent. 

It’s quite extensive 

We could only visit one cloister and chapel.

As we descended Ino Cluses, a big valley town, we passed pretty alpine villages and chalets .

we did our laundry in the Carrefour car park it’s not too cheap at €12.50/14kg and €3/12mins drying. But so far in our 22 days away we have spent €0 on overnight stays and service points. Can’t complain about that. 

From here we drove up to Samoëns where we stopped to have a walk around the village. There were some lovely buildings and a nice casual ambiance. 

We noticed lots of stone sculptures which represents their history in stonecutters. 

Our aim to come this way is to see the Cirque du Fers à Cheval (Horseshoe) tomorrow the weather should improve (so the french meteo predicts - my second passion after the tourist office hehe). So we park in the free carpark just before the pay station that is open between 8:30am to 7:30pm. Outside these hours it is free to enter the site. The car park is full as it’s only 35mins walk to the start of the trails. During the  afternoon we watch many walkers head off and return drentched as the rain set in.  Even so there was also a constant stream of cars going through €7/car, €10/motorhome. We spend a quiet night with a few other campers waiting it out until the morning. 

Our 92km route for today.