{"id":9633,"date":"2013-04-03T16:03:06","date_gmt":"2013-04-03T15:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ourtour.co.uk\/home\/?p=9633"},"modified":"2021-06-24T10:11:25","modified_gmt":"2021-06-24T09:11:25","slug":"your-tour-french-alps-paul-davis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourtour.co.uk\/home\/your-tour-french-alps-paul-davis\/","title":{"rendered":"French Alps &#8211; Paul Davis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Paul Davis and crew head for the French Alps for some chilling out, manic driving, snails, mountains and beer!<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Thursday 19th August<\/h3>\n<p>This holiday seems to have been a long time coming. \u00a0It was back in the long and dark winter nights of January that it was planned, but being a bit of a worrier I wanted \u00a0to plan out trip onto the continent as thoroughly as possible.<\/p>\n<p>We have company this holiday in the form of one of the boy&#8217;s girlfriend and we are travelling with Mr &amp; Mrs Shag and mini shag.<\/p>\n<p>Late afternoon we are all hitched up and set off to our overnight stop at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.caravanclub.co.uk\/caravanclubapps\/applications\/uk-caravan-sites-and-parks\/SiteDetails.aspx?csid=21824\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Blackhorse Farm CC Site<\/strong><\/a> in Folkstone. \u00a0We know we won&#8217;t be arriving until after reception has shut, so made arrangements for payment and a late check in before we leave. \u00a0After an uneventful 274 mile tow we pulled into the site, retrieved our details from the notice board and set up site. \u00a0My review can be read <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ukcampsite.co.uk\/sites\/reviews.asp?revid=4203\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We had a few drinks and a laugh before settling down for the night. \u00a0I am unable to explain why, but I could not settle and was on edge, really worried about towing onto the train in the morning. \u00a0Unable to sleep at all, I got back up at 3am and wandered the site, talking to people setting off for early morning ferries.<\/p>\n<h3>Friday 20th August<\/h3>\n<p>By 5.30am it was time to drag everyone out of their pits and head for the tunnel terminal. \u00a0Everyone is very excited to see signs for &#8220;France This Way&#8221; and check in is swift and stress free.<\/p>\n<p>Despite me worrying all night boarding the train is quite simple. \u00a0I really do feel like a dick sometimes!<\/p>\n<p>Before we know it we are moving and travelling deep under the sea bed. \u00a0I get a bollocking from herself for getting out to nose around, just after the tannoy says to stay in your vehicle.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/chunnel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9634\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/chunnel.jpg\" alt=\"chunnel\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/chunnel.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/chunnel-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We really are loaded up for this trip. \u00a0Five adults, a roof box, 4 bikes, a kayak, full awning, tent and a 1.5 tonne caravan with all the gubbins! \u00a0Fuel consumption figures are making me weep (in public too). \u00a0Time is taken to fit the beam benders and sticker for the dash and visor to reminding me to drive on the right.<\/p>\n<p>Before we know it, it&#8217;s light again outside and we are in Froggyville! \u00a0Disembarking is straight forward, no customs and we are straight onto the auto route, on the right hand side, eek!<\/p>\n<p>We have no plans as to where to stop tonight, but have 2 nights before we are due on our site in The Alps. \u00a0It strikes us immediately how good the Froggy auto routes are to drive on, good smooth surfaces and virtually traffic free. \u00a0Very soon it also strikes us how expensive they are to travel on as we hit our first toll booth!<\/p>\n<p>We are making easy progress eating up the KMs, but I keep losing Mr Shag in my mirrors. \u00a0Turns out he was slip streaming me to improve on his already very good mpg figures he&#8217;s getting out of his A4 &#8211; the git.<\/p>\n<p>Gas Oil is quite expensive on the auto routes, but I am relieved that service stations seem to be sites every 15 miles or so along the way.<\/p>\n<p>We stop off at an Aire for lunch. \u00a0Mr Shag get a chair out, plonks himself down next to the caravan in the car park and quips &#8220;France isn&#8217;t like I thought it would be mind!&#8221; whilst taking in his surroundings. \u00a0We are all in stitches and I have a good feeling about this holiday.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/aire.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9635\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/aire.jpg\" alt=\"aire\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/aire.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/aire-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We are motoring, and the Shogun has a thirst like a Youth rugby team on a Saturday night. \u00a0The float in the tank must have been stuck because all of a sudden the needle drops from just over 1\/3 full to empty and the light comes on. \u00a0Still. not to worry, I think to myself. \u00a0There will be a service station along now in a few miles.<\/p>\n<p>In the distance I see a fuel pump sign, and as we get closer it says 70km. \u00a0I shit myself, and ease off the gas. \u00a0Mrs Shag phones to remonstrate with me because I have slowed down.<\/p>\n<p>TomTom POIs are loaded up and says fuel can be got in 25 miles. \u00a0It&#8217;s going to be a bloody close call! \u00a0We follow the directions, and the needle is now under the empty line. \u00a0I am bricking it and things are a little tense. \u00a0On exit of the auto route the Shogun is running a bit lumpy and we come across an automated toll payment machine. \u00a0I am frightened to switch off in case the car will not start again, and herself is struggling to work out how to use the machine.<\/p>\n<p>My temper is at tipping point and I storm out of the car. \u00a0The machine is like something out of the Krypton Factor but we eventually get it sussed. \u00a0I run round back to the driver&#8217;s seat, hop in, but herself is nowhere to be seen. \u00a0Herself is walking back down the road to speak to Mr &amp; Mrs Shag.<\/p>\n<p>I ask her where she is going, and she says she was going to explain to Mr &amp; Mrs Shag how to use the machine. \u00a0I lost it, and I think I shouted something like &#8220;F**k them, get in the f*****g car woman!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Shogun is spluttering but after just a mile TomTom cheerfully announces &#8220;You have reached your destination.&#8221; \u00a0My heart sinks as I note the chain across the entrance and a Doberman (complete with elastic band round it&#8217;s willy) sat guarding the place. \u00a0We are in the middle of nowhere, with no fuel and I think I&#8217;m about to have a coronary.<\/p>\n<p>Desperately trying to reconsult TomTom, typing with fingers like a bunch of bananas, he tells us there is fuel in 2 miles. \u00a0Off we trundle (by now everyone in the car is praying) and after a while he tells us to turn left and announces once again \u00a0&#8220;You have reached your destination.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>No fuel station visible! Nothing! Zilch! I rip him off his mount and start to cry. \u00a0We are on a back road and I spot the French equivalent of a corner shop with a 1960s pump on the pavement! \u00a0Surely not? \u00a0We drive up to it and it looks knackered, like it&#8217;s not been used for decades. \u00a0We turn round and are about to head off when this dirty smelly little man runs out to meet us shouting &#8220;Gasoil?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>I could have kissed him! In fact he nearly kissed us! \u00a0Between me and Mr Shag he took about 220 euros, probably a month&#8217;s takings.<\/p>\n<p>I made my apologies to everyone and with peace and tranquillity restored we hit the road again. \u00a0By late afternoon it was time to search out a campsite. \u00a0Phoning ahead we confirmed that a site in Dole had room for us.<\/p>\n<p>Dole is a pretty town. \u00a0We saw enough of it while trying to find the campsite! \u00a0We book in and pitch up (420 Km today). \u00a0BBQ for tea before chilling with some well deserved beers. \u00a0We laughed uncontrollably looking back at the day&#8217;s events.<\/p>\n<h3>Saturday 21st August<\/h3>\n<p>We are up quite early having decided last night to move on. \u00a0We are not really impressed with the site. \u00a0It&#8217;s cramped, a little shabby and despite the crippling heat is a bit muddy underfoot.<\/p>\n<p>We all agreed that we don&#8217;t really want to be here when The Alps are calling. \u00a0We phone our site to check if they could accept us a day early, reserve pitches and hitch up in record speed after breakfast.<\/p>\n<p>With a full tank we hit the auto route and head into the mountains. \u00a0Until now, France has been quite flat. \u00a0A few inclines but nothing to write home about. \u00a0I know we have to start gaining altitude soon, but was not prepared for what confronted us. \u00a0As we started to climb I note a sign that warns of a 15% gradient for about 10 miles. I floor the Shogun leaving Mr Shag gasping for air in a cloud of black diesel smoke!<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s every man for himself (throwing women and children behind him) as I hurtle along passing far too many broken down towing vehicles for comfort. \u00a0The needle starts to creep up and I can feel the heat of the transmission in the foot well. \u00a0The air con gets turned off, the heating goes to full blast and the windows get opened. \u00a0The needle drops and we reach the top of the climb into some serious tunnel action!<\/p>\n<p>On entering the first tunnel we left blazing sunshine, a few KMs later we exit into cloudy skies and drizzle. \u00a0I just know that Mrs Shag is going to be cursing by now!<\/p>\n<p>The views are spectacular as the auto route threads it&#8217;s way into the Alps.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/intothealps.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9636\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/intothealps.jpg\" alt=\"intothealps\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/intothealps.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/intothealps-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>227 Km later we are treated to the vista of Lake Annecey and roll up to our campsite on the southern shores called <a href=\"http:\/\/www.camping-lac-bleu.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>La Lac Bleu<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0We check in, get set up and start to chill. We have arrived.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9637\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We are pitched next to each other and Mr Shag came up to me and say &#8220;Shag, I think we&#8217;ve hit the jackpot here Shag!&#8221; \u00a0I cannot agree more, below is the view from our pitch, we are within spitting distance from the shore.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9638\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu2.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu2\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu2.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9639\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu3.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu3\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu3.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Sunday 22nd August &#8211; Wednesday 1st September<\/h3>\n<p>This is probably the best camp site we have ever stayed on. \u00a0My review can be read here. \u00a0It really is superb here and it&#8217;s difficult to motivate yourself to leave the site. \u00a0The weather is hot and long days are spent playing on or in the lake. \u00a0The kids are happy, we are happy. \u00a0Apart from nipping out for food shopping we stay put just chilling.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9640\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu4.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu4\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu4.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu4-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9641\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu5.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu5\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu5.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu5-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9642\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu6.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu6\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu6.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu6-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9643\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu7.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu7\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu7.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu7-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9644\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu8.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu8\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu8.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu8-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Long days spend on site are followed by long nights drinking under the clear alpine skies. \u00a0It is during these long evenings that we get to know Joel very well. \u00a0Joel is the night security on site. \u00a0he started off by giving us warnings not to make any noise after 10pm. \u00a0By the end of the holiday he was joining us for a drink!<\/p>\n<p>After about 4 days I start to get itchy feet. \u00a0Idyllic as it is, there is really no point in coming all this way and not see anything of the surrounding area, except for the inside of Lidl.<\/p>\n<p>We did get out and about. \u00a0A pleasant day was spent touring on the eastern shore of the lake, stopping off in the rather posh resort of Talloirs along the way.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu9.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9645\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu9.jpg\" alt=\"lelacbleu9\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu9.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lelacbleu9-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Much of our time on site has been spent watching the para gliders leaping off the nearby mountain. \u00a0We took a spin up the twisting mountain road and the views from up there were spectacular with the buildings reminding me of Switzerland. Refreshments were taken in the cafe at the top before being ripped off buying tourist tat from the gift shop.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9646\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill1.jpg\" alt=\"upthehill1\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill1.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9647\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill2.jpg\" alt=\"upthehill2\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill2.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9648\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill3.jpg\" alt=\"upthehill3\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill3.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/upthehill3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The lake has been the draw on this site. \u00a0It has a great pool complex with a main pool, some lazy rivers and a jacuzzi. \u00a0Mid holiday the boys suddenly take an interest in the pool and are spending a lot of time up there. \u00a0Out of interest I wander up to see them stretched out, shades on trying their best to impress some euro totty at poolside.<\/p>\n<p>I ruin any chances they may have had by firstly saying hello to them and secondly doing my impression of a harpooned walrus in the water!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lepool.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9649\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lepool.jpg\" alt=\"lepool\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lepool.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/lepool-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Market day in Annecy itself was interesting. \u00a0Apart from taking an hour to find a space to park (much of the car parking is underground with restricted head room which is not much good if you&#8217;re driving a 4&#215;4 with a roof box on). We take in the sights and look round the market before having a relaxing lunch in the lakeside park.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9650\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy.jpg\" alt=\"Annecy\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The weather is generally very good, but being quite high up in the mountains it can go from one extreme to another. \u00a0One evening we were sat out in shorts and tee shirts enjoying a drink and listening to a storm in the next valley, \u00a0then the storm moved behind us and instead of going further away it came straight back at us?<\/p>\n<p>Wow! \u00a0Sheets of rain and a spectacular light show with deafening thunder claps. \u00a0Being on rock, any water that hits the surface stays on the surface, and our awnings were under 50mm of water in no time. \u00a0We were all out with oars digging channels to let trapped rain water escape into the lake. \u00a0Believe it or not, it was quite good fun, and the rain stopped as quick as it started.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/diggingthechannel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9651\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/diggingthechannel.jpg\" alt=\"diggingthechannel\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/diggingthechannel.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/diggingthechannel-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>By mid holiday I am approaching the situation where I am fast running out of pants that do not benefit from a go-faster stripe. \u00a0Luckily herself invested in a camping twin tub washing machine before we left, so for one afternoon our awning was converted in to Wishy Washy&#8217;s Launderette.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/laundrette.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9652\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/laundrette.jpg\" alt=\"laundrette\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/laundrette.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/laundrette-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It was strangely therapeutic doing the washing in the sun looking over the scantily clad young ladies catching some rays lakeside.<\/p>\n<p>Again we are due a good spin out. \u00a0We took some advice from Joel (who is now our best friend and insists on having \u00a0a glass to drink his beer out of) on where we could find some summer snow. \u00a0He suggests Chamonix, but that is too far and too expensive. \u00a0The second suggestion was Cormet de Roselend in the mountains above Albertville.<\/p>\n<p>Mrs Shag is not too well so we all squeeze into the Shogun and armed with a map we set off for the hills. \u00a0Stopping in Albertville on the way to firstly look at the Olympic stadium. \u00a0It was shut and fenced off! and secondly to take a wander around Decathlon. \u00a0What a shop! \u00a0They sell crossbows, guns, knives and everything. \u00a0Unfortunately herself was with us so we had to make do with buying a few folding shovels in readiness for the next storm.<\/p>\n<p>Moving up into the mountains the scenery was breathtaking with a new vista on every hairpin. \u00a0It was hard going doing it driving solo but there was one lunatic towing a caravan and several lunatics on pushbikes doing the trip. \u00a0We reached the summit where next stop was Italy, no snow sadly but we got a bit of off roading in!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9653\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit1.jpg\" alt=\"summit1\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit1.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9654\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit2.jpg\" alt=\"summit2\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit2.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9655\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit3.jpg\" alt=\"summit3\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit3.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9656\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit4.jpg\" alt=\"summit4\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit4.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/summit4-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>After a few more days of just chilling on site, and with the end of our stay here fast approaching it&#8217;s time for one last big trip out. \u00a0Mrs Shag is still not well and is suffering, as is Mr Shag (Mrs Shag does not suffer quietly!).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/backfixing.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9657\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/backfixing.jpg\" alt=\"backfixing\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/backfixing.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/backfixing-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our new best mate, Joel, fancies himself as a bit of a physio (we think he&#8217;s a phycho, but the spelling is really close) and explains how he once has a &#8216;paraplegic&#8217; dog. \u00a0Under the influence of drink, myself and Mr Shag think this qualifies him to have a pop at Mrs Shag&#8217;s back. \u00a0Our awning is turned into a treatment room and Mrs Shag gets Joel&#8217;s full works treatment.<\/p>\n<p>They stay on site and Mini Shag joins us for the day out.<\/p>\n<p>We head off, not really knowing where we are going to, but we have a picnic so don&#8217;t care! \u00a0We stop off at a place that does archery. \u00a0This place is cool though. \u00a0You don&#8217;t just fire at targets, they have little stuffed bambis around the place in between the trees. \u00a0Herself is appalled but we all think it&#8217;s great.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/targetbambi.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9658\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/targetbambi.jpg\" alt=\"targetbambi\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/targetbambi.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/targetbambi-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We find a picnic spot high in the \u00a0mountains before heading to the alpine resort of La Cluzaz. \u00a0Sadly it&#8217;s too late to use the cable car system but the kids do a bit of ringo jumping and ices skating before heading back to site.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9659\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz1.jpg\" alt=\"La Cluzaz1\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz1.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9660\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz2.jpg\" alt=\"La Cluzaz2\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz2.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9661\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz3.jpg\" alt=\"La Cluzaz3\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz3.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/La-Cluzaz3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;d not eaten out this holiday, so that was put right on our last night. \u00a0We took a spin into Annecy and had a great meal in a restaurant by the side of the canal, followed by a walk around the old town that was brightly lit up.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9662\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy1.jpg\" alt=\"Annecy\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy1.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Annecy1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Thursday 2nd September<\/h3>\n<p>We have 2 days to get back to Calais for our crossing on Saturday. The plan was to do about 300 miles today and the other 250 miles tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>The Shogun is doing a lot better on fuel today, largely due to the fact that some git nicked our bikes in Annecy. \u00a0Well, 3 of them anyway. \u00a0They moved mine out of the way to get at the other three. \u00a0I don&#8217;t know what upset me most, the fact that we had 3 bikes nicked or the fact that they left mine behind?<\/p>\n<p>That lead to the youngest saying &#8220;That&#8217;s it Dad, it&#8217;s official, your bike is too shit to steal!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>We got 350 miles under our belts and me and Mr Shag are , err, how can you put it? \u00a0Shagged. \u00a0We get the map out and start looking for campsites in the area. \u00a0Mrs Shag has other ideas, she is suffering and wants to catch an early crossing tomorrow to get home and see the Doc.<\/p>\n<p>She points to the map and says, &#8220;Look it&#8217;s only that far!&#8221; to which I reply &#8220;Mrs Shag, it&#8217;s 200 miles mun. \u00a0That&#8217;s as far as home to London, on top of the 350 miles we&#8217;ve already done, and it&#8217;s tea time now!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Mrs Shag is not listening and my head has gone. \u00a0We tow through northern France at dangerous speeds and reach our campsite for the next 2 nights at 8.30pm just as they are shutting up shop for the night. We book in at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.camping-la-bien-assise.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>La Bienn Assise<\/strong><\/a> and are pitched in no time (no awnings) and go out for a meal before crashing for the night.<\/p>\n<h3>Friday 3rd September<\/h3>\n<p>We wake fresh after a really good night&#8217;s kip. \u00a0The benefit of our lunatic effort yesterday is that today we have a free day. \u00a0Cite de Europe is the destination this morning for some serious retail therapy.<\/p>\n<p>Back on site we chill in the sunshine, larking about playing ball, drinking and eating snails.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9663\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails1.jpg\" alt=\"snails1\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails1.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9664\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails2.jpg\" alt=\"snails2\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails2.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ourtourmedia.s3.eu-central-003.backblazeb2.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/snails2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Saturday 4th September<\/h3>\n<p>Despite the foolish amount of beer we drank last night we are up bright and early and on our way to the tunnel terminal.<\/p>\n<p>The French side is a complete contract to the British side. \u00a0It is chaotic!<\/p>\n<p>Somehow we manage to catch our train and are on the motorway heading through Kent and on our final leg homeward.<\/p>\n<p>It strikes us immediately how shit the UK roads are and how much traffic there is on them!<\/p>\n<p>What trip!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paul Davis and crew head for the French Alps for some chilling out, manic driving, snails, mountains and beer! Thursday 19th August This holiday seems to have been a long time coming. \u00a0It was back in the long and dark winter nights of January that it was planned, but being a bit of a worrier [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1392],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guest-bloggers"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>French Alps - Paul Davis - Our Tour Motorhome Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ourtour.co.uk\/home\/your-tour-french-alps-paul-davis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"French Alps - Paul Davis - Our Tour Motorhome Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Paul Davis and crew head for the French Alps for some chilling out, manic driving, snails, mountains and beer! 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