France & Switzerland - Summer '23
Unfinished business in the Alps!
Last year we had planned to spend plenty of time in Switzerland but bad weather put a stop to that. Time to try again...
And success! In fact, things worked out so well we didn't even have time to take what has become a usual loop home through Germany - that will have to wait for next time.
Things went well with another easy jaunt across France. A chance to explore part of the Jura mountains on the French/Swiss border - well, they are mountains so loved this region of course!
Then on to Switzerland for walks, hikes and some truly epic bike riding.
As it turned out there was also time to meet friends in Annecy for a couple of group rides in the region, including another all day epic with giant charcuterie lunch. Good times all round!
Thursday 8 June 2023
Short drive across 3 departments today: tiny roads, forests & rolling hills make for slow progress but nice views 
Thursday 8 June 2023
Obligatory '1st day of hols enjoying apperos & curry outside' shots 
*Actually 2nd day 'cos yesterday was busy! 
Friday 9 June 2023
After yesterday's smashfest (no photo stops) an easier cruise today. Similar terrain though... so this is a 2fer
Friday 9 June 2023
When lunch terrace has red shades - argh! Very nice steak & crepe/pizza thing + ice cream & soft cheese dessert. Nom!
Saturday 10 June 2023
Random shot from the road, just outside village of Quintaine. Am a sucker for rolling vineyards & a little church.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Today's ride: beautiful spin starting in France, through the Jura mountains (& valleys) to Switzerland & back.
Monday 12 June 2023
Few random shots from the road today. Sadly these don't do justice to the beautiful drive through the Jura 
Monday 12 June 2023
Magical walk in Gorges de l'Areuse. Found randomly looking at maps years ago happened to be passing by today. Lucky!
Tuesday 13 June 2023
Today's ride: more exploration of the Swiss Jura. Silly steep final climb & descent home a blast! Beautiful stuff
Tuesday 13 June 2023
Quick look at little medieval square in Le Landeron. Think the road needs replacing with cobbles for more ambience.
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Lunch by a random rest spot in Switzerland. After stopping noticed a nearby restaurant was popular so ducked in. Nom!
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Scenic detour above Lake Thun. Normally I'd ride roads like this but today snail does the work saving legs for later.
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Rest stop by Lake Thun. Enjoying coffee & cake while admiring the view.
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Sunset stroll by Lake Thun on another beautiful evening. Wow!
Thursday 15 June 2023
Random shots from train window on the ride between Lauterbrunnen & Wengen (and back).
Thursday 15 June 2023
Heading out of Wengen on a little hike today. Up into the forest for the first leg...
Thursday 15 June 2023
Hiking above Wengen & Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland). What a day!
Thursday 15 June 2023
Out of the forest to spectacular views down the Lauterbrunnen valley. Another amazing Swiss hiking experience!
Thursday 15 June 2023
Lunch with a view... nom, nom, nom 
Thursday 15 June 2023
Heading back downhill now. Back through more beautiful forest. First time I've seen purple pine cones!
Thursday 15 June 2023
Obligatory, 'hiking past cows in Switzerland' shots
Thursday 15 June 2023
Back into Wengen to catch the train 'home' to our camping. Some particularly well kept gardens here. Beautiful place.
Friday 16 June 2023
Swiss supermarket find: something wrapped in bacon wrapped in beef. They had me at 'wrapped in bacon' Nom!
Friday 16 June 2023
Lunch stop by Lake Brienz - on our way to Innertkirchen. Thankfully having more luck with Swiss weather this year
Saturday 17 June 2023
Dream day on the bike: Grimsel Pass. Furka Pass. Susten Pass. Blue skies. Lakes. Snow. 121km. 3476m vertical. Yowza!
Sunday 18 June 2023
We were given free public transport passes in Switzerland, so on our last day here used on cable car to Hasliberg
Sunday 18 June 2023
What passes for small snack when you burnt 4400kcal on the last ride: croissant stuffed with Lindor. Yes, I had 2!
Tuesday 20 June 2023
Short stroll this morning by the shores of Lake Geneva. A dip might have been tempting last night, but not right now!
Tuesday 20 June 2023
Passing Geneva so went looking for a good curry house. 'Bollywood' just over the border in Gaillard. Nom, nom, nom
Thursday 22 June 2023
Park in central Annecy at lunchtime? No chance! But let's have a look. Arrived just as this spot was vacated. Lucky!
Thursday 22 June 2023
Quick (& damp) look Annecy old town. Part of a good tourist pic is making busy places look calm & it's only June!
Thursday 22 June 2023
Obligatory, 'seek out Asian food whenever in a town larger than we are used to' lunch photo. Yin Ba, Annecy. Nom!
Thursday 22 June 2023
Camping by Lake Annecy. Bit grey on arrival but remnants of today's storm look cool blowing over peaks on other side.
Friday 23 June 2023
Today's ride: social spin up Col de la Forclaz, which means... snack stop! Ham & cheese galettes all round - nom!
Saturday 24 June 2023
Huge ride to Arpettaz/Crest Voland/Aravis/Croix Fry. Charcuterie lunch. Beer above Lake Annecy to finish. Magic day!
Sunday 25 June 2023
Col pics sans velo? Avec femme will have to do Came up North side on super tiny road - defo by bike next time!
Sunday 25 June 2023
Rest stop overlooking Lac de Grand Maison on the Western side of Col du Glandon. Looking nice and full thankfully.
Sunday 25 June 2023
Sunshine: check! Pool: check! Snow-capped mountains behind us: check! Smiles: check! Almost feels like a holiday!
Sunday 25 June 2023
This evening's episode of 'random goodies from the local patisserie': Blueberry & creme tart thing. Yummy!
Monday 26 June 2023
Alpe d'Huez: super famous cycling climb but village not v.pretty. Luckily return via Villard-Reculas is spectacular!
Tuesday 27 June 2023
Passing through Haute-Loire. Beautiful rolling hills & friendly natives. Am sure French farmers think we are mad!
Tuesday 27 June 2023
Viaduc de Chapeauroux (& matching bridge we crossed). Impressive structures for a tiny village in middle of nowhere!
Tuesday 27 June 2023
Lunch @ Centre Routier l'Imprevu. 5 courses for 14.50. Very nice, esp. the cheese board. Must be bargain of the trip!
