Paragkash

Day 9- 24th May 2015-Sunday Lake Annecy,
Weather: 18 Degrees C- Bright Sunny.
Driving: 50 km

It was supposed to be a relaxed day. We didn't have too many things on our agenda. Just wanted to soak ourselves in the surrounding nature. The next day was supposed to be a long day.
Got up at 6.30 am. Sunrise used to be at 5.30 am. Had egg omelettes and coffee for breakfast.
We still had the bitter residue of the traffic Police episode of the last evening. Such incidents shakes one's confidence of driving in a new country, especially when you cannot speak their language. We were only on day 9 and had a long 28 days' journey ahead of us. We needed to be upbeat.

We left by 9 am towards Annecy town. Very scenic area. We decided to drive a full circle around Lake Annecy in a clockwise direction.


Doussard itself was very beautiful, a part of The Bauges massif Regional Nature Park. This park, which extends over 81,000 hectares, protects impressive limestone cliffs as well as beautiful landscapes of forests and alpine pastures, high meadows.


It is surrounded by a rampart of limestone white cliffs that dominate the surrounding plains.
The village is flat and is used as a landing field by many paragliders, usually after they've taken off from the nearby Col de la Forclaz.

Our first stop was at the picture post card Chateau Duingt along the lake.


Chateau de Duingt is a magnificent Chateau sitting on the edge of the lake in the beautiful, quaint, floral village of Duingt. Montblanc sits on the other side of the lake, both great photo opportunities. This one is typically Swiss and reminded us of the Yvoire Castle and Chateaux De Chillon at Montreux, Switzerland.

This luxury hotel has one of the best view on the planet.
We met a diving couple there. They told us that they dive 40 to 50 meters deep and the 1st 10 meters depth of the water is not very clear, but below that it is crystal clear and tranquil with very few fishes. This lake is supposed to have the clearest water in Europe.



We really enjoyed our visit to Duingt. This is a typical French/Swiss style village with lots of charm and character. The historic buildings alone are worth the venture and the Chateau is impressive set in such scenic views and by the fantastic Lac de Annecy.

It was a sunny day and people were out celebrating it by doing lot of outdoor activities, like surfing, scuba diving, boating on the lake. We bought Pizzas, Blackberries, Potato chips and milk at Carefour to eat n drink on the way. As we drove towards Annecy, the traffic increased. We tried parking in 3 pay and park parking lots, but all were full. We drove past the old city centre. We were lucky to get free parking in the residential area about 1 km from the centre, opposite the Jardins D’Imperial.

We walked a kilometre along the lakefront to the old town of Annecy.

Water in the lake Annecy was so crystal clear. The swans, almost like ballerinas, add glamour to this serene lake.

We walked along the lake to the centre. Very scenic and pleasant walk. Lots of local people were playing basketball and other sports in the park along the lake. People were boating, cycling, running, skating, sunbathing. I was happy that we came here on a sunny Sunday and could be a part of the local people’s celebration. Looked like the whole town was celebrating out along the lake .
We went to the tourism office, learnt about some history, took map, used the toilets alongside. We walked small lanes of the old town. Went to the church 1st. The town has concentric canals and markets along them. Chateau in the centre. We had chocolate crepes. Charming and bustling town.

Nestling between the mountain behind and the shore of the lake, Annecy is one of the most picturesque cities in France.
Running through the middle of the old city, the river Thiou is flanked by narrow quays or by buildings rising directly on the riverbank. The old city is also crossed by the Canal du Vassé, and it is the presence of these two waterways, and of other man-made canals, that has earned Annecy its nickname of the "Venice of the Alps".

We spent hours wandering through the narrow streets of Old Annecy. Virtually the whole of the old city is a pedestrian area. With their colourfully painted houses, arcades, boutiques, cafés and restaurants, the streets and the riverside quays are an enchanting area just to wander round.


What an interesting detail. A water spout in the shape of a frog, on the inner side of a well. That is the best part of wandering through place without any specific aim. We notice such small details, places and people.

Notre-Dame de Liesse Church
The monumental neo-classical church was rebuilt between 1846 and 1851 after the previous edifice was demolished during the French Revolution. The only original element is the 16th century bell tower. The façade is typical of Sardinian neo-classical style with the sober façade surmounted by a classical pediment, but also its cruciform arrangement, the semicircular arches and semicircular window openings. The bell tower was built in 1539 on a base from the 14th century.

Ornate interiors of the church.

Inside, the elaborate high altar is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Liesse. It was nice to visit this place on a Sunday and be a part of the local ceremony. One of the non-touristy things that I like to do.



Walking around Annecy old town is a real delight. With its charming canals, its flower-bedecked banks, its small delightful bridges and its beautiful houses with colourful facades,
The bridges were occupied by the street vendors selling various items.

Annecy carries really well its nickname of Savoyard Venice. It was pleasant to stroll along its canals and walk around the lovely narrow pedestrian streets!

It was a farmers' market on Sunday, where local farm fresh produce was being sold.

We bought some strawberries and ate them while we watched people.

Annecy is particularly visited for its location on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps, and for its very picturesque old city. Until the Middle Ages, the city was located on the top of a small rise to the east of the lakeside old city; but in 1107, a new city began to develop at the foot of the castle, on either side of the river Thiou, the outlet of the lake. This is the historic "old city" of today's Annecy.

Streets were bursting with people, cafes, boutiques. Most of them were tourists. The place was absolutely vibrant.

the most photogenic building in the old city the Palais de l'Ile, or the Island Palace, parts of which date back to the 12th century. Over time the building has served as a family home, a prison and a law-court. Today it houses an architectural heritage centre,

We had some fries and burgers in the restaurant near the lake and relaxed for a while, after our walking tour of the charming town.

Modern architecture in Annecy

We walked back along the lake to our car


Super bikes come out on Sunday mornings.

We drove back via Methon palace along the lake. There was a Sunday Flea market along the shore where local people had a garage sale. Walked and relaxed for half an hour on the shore. We could see the Chateau Menthon high up on the mountain.

On the eastern shore of Annecy Lake, at the foot of the Roc du Chère, the village of Menthon-St-Bernard is dominated by its castle

It was such a relaxing day. Away from the main tourist spot, we relaxed along the lake shore, where local young and old people came to have active and passive recreation.

Le Palace de Menthon

Surfing through a local Sunday Flea market is our favourite activity. Tells us about local people and culture.


The fresh blackberries gave me company.

This photo sums up the day. Sat on one of the jetties on the lake, removed my shoes, folded my trousers and immersed my feet in the cold clear water of lake Annecy. kept gazing at the azure lake and the mountains surrounding it. It was so therapeutic...


We drove en-route, through a picturesque and charming old town of Talloires.







Talloires was such a charming village.

Talloires, is a small village located on the eastern shore of the beautiful Lake Annecy. Ideally situated in a charming setting at the foot of the sharp rocky ridges of the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette mountain

We reached back by 4.30 pm and relaxed. Sat is outside our villa. The meadows and the mountain scenery was outstanding. It was our last evening in Haute Savoie.
It was such a pleasant experience being here. This area is uniquely different than any other place in France.
We had pizzas for dinner. Packed our bags for the next day and slept by 9.30 pm as we had to check out and leave very early the next day.
It was going to be our longest day in the entire trip.

Paragkash

Adelaidean, Thanks for being with me. Hope you like the next installments too

kerouac

Don't believe that you were singled out for the back seat belt law. I know dozens of people who have been caught on that one, including my parents. One thing that is good about a rule like that is that you never get caught again after learning your lesson, unlike speeding. (The main reason you don't get caught a second time is that people learn to pull on their seatbelts at top speed before the police get out of their car!)

Paragkash

[QUOTE=kerouac;17105409]Don't believe that you were singled out for the back seat belt law. ]
Kerouac,
The cops took documents somewhere and took almost 10 minutes to verify them.
Why I felt bad was that, my daughters were wearing the seatbelt while the car was in motion. They removed it as we were waiting for 10 minutes for the cops. He gave me the documents n said that all was perfect. As an afterthought, he looked on the back seat n thought of charging me.
I tried explaining him. He did understand English. But he didn't change his mind.
In the entire trip, we never exceeded the speed limit. Adhered to all rules. More so because I had the red number plate which immediately showed that I am an expat.
There is always a slight fear when I am driving in another country. I am used to right hand drive cars. New roads, laws, language. Such incidents can shake one's confidence.
As you rightly said, these experiences make you tougher, wiser.

Coquelicot

Parag, I sympathize. That was unfair. You and your girls were obeying the law. When something like that happens to me I try to get over it as quickly as possible.

My husband, Leadfoot, has gotten several speeding tickets in France. At the time we got the first one you couldn’t pay online with a credit card and so that time our fine escalated to a painful level before we managed to pay it. After the second ticket my husband became a more careful driver (but only in France). So I have forgiven him and hardly ever even think of those two fines that cost us a fortune.

Your photos today are especially beautiful.

Adelaidean

Such lovely scenery, villages, and moments.

kerouac

You could have almost certainly challenged the fine and had it cancelled, but I understand that this seems too complicated when you are from a foreign country. Even as a French citizen, I have learned (the hard way) that you can only challenge a fine if you have not paid it. While it seems that it would make you a better citizen to pay the fine and challenge it afterwards, I have learned that if you pay a fine, it implies that you have accepted that you were guilty.

rhon

I am continuing to enjoy your report and lovely photos. Sorry about the fine. We have been lucky in France but P did get one from Italy. It does put a dampener on the trip. We have never been stopped by police in France although we have seen them stopping other cars a couple of times. They waved us on so not sure why we were an exception.
Where to next?

Paragkash

Day 10- 25th May 2016- MONDAY - A day of Breathtaking drive, Geological wonder, Beautiful old towns
Doussard to Luan Le Pins, Fench Riviera
Route Napoleon, Route De Gentelly, Sisteron, Les Mees, Castellane, St. Paul De Vence
Weather- 17 Degree C, Bright Sunny
Drive- 450 km, 8 hours

This was supposed to be the longest day (8 hours drive- 450 km) and the toughest drive in the entire trip.
This was against our usual way of traveling, to drive more than 4-5 hours or 300 km in a single day.

I had planned it meticulously. As per our earlier plan, we were supposed take an overnight halt near Castellane and were to explore the natural wonder Gorge du Verdon. We changed it and covered the entire distance in a day so that we get 1 more day at JLP as this whole trip was planned in such a way that we could have a 5 days of family reunion with my Brother in Law joining in from London along with his wife and Son Hrithik who is the apple of everyone's eye. It was also to celebrate his 6th birthday.

The route from Doussard to Juan Les Pins on the Riviera combines the historic “Route de Napoleon” and mountain drive “Route de Gentelly”. As per Michelin Route planner

Partial toll route- 431 km (142 km -1.27 hours on motorway) - 7 hours- Toll 15 Euros
Non toll route- 438 km—8 hours (34km-23 min on Motorway)- which we took. This is more scenic as it goes through beautiful landscape and pretty villages. ViaMichelin calls it the Discovery route.
Leaving early was the key. We had to reach well before sunset. 5.52 am was the sunrise at Doussard. We completed all the check out formalities last evening. Packed our bags. Got up at 4.30am. Packed breakfast, had coffee and left at 6 am exactly as planned.
I goofed up a bit. I forgot my Cartier Wrist Watch in the cupboard drawer. The landlord was kind enough that he couriered it to my Paris Landlord upon my request. We then collected it in Paris.


The route was a combination of scenic & historic Route Napoleon and a breathtaking Route de Gentelly. We were coming from the Rhone alps to Cote d' Azur on the French Riviera. The entire stretch is mountainous.


Doussard and its surroundings were so beautiful. We wanted to stay longer.


Beautiful limestone mountains

The toll road runs parallel for a long time. There are mountain ranges around all throughout the route.



I had read these names so many times while studying the route. Seeing these road signs was a happy experience. Only I could relate to it among us.



Grenoble marks the beginning of the Route Napoleon. All these places have a lot of history and things to see.
ROUTE NAPOLEON:



Napoleon Bonaparte and his army took this exact route in 1815 during their historic march from Elba to Grenoble en route to Paris, where he reckoned he’d redeem himself as Emperor of France and everything would come up totally milhouse once more. In reality, he lost the battle at Waterloo.
Napoleon was escaping exile from the little island off the coast of Tuscany that he’d been banished to following his capture and the basically disastrous collapse of the would-be French empire. So, in commemoration of his ballsy antics, the Route Napoleon as we know it today was opened up in 1932 and has been making road trippers’ dreams come true ever since.


We were glad that we didn't take the toll road. One cannot see much from the toll road as the barricade on the sides blocks much of the view. One doesn't get a feel of driving through the countryside.

The entire route and the landscape around was extremely scenic.

SISTERON:
The non-toll road till Sisteron via Albert Ville (25km) & Grenoble (120km) runs almost parallel to the toll road and is quite flat and was fast in the early morning. We reached Sisteron 10 minutes earlier than Michelin/ Google prediction, at 10 am- 250 km in 4 hours. Me and Poonam drove for 2 hours each. This was our first milestone and a pre-decided halt. We took a photo stop. Parked in a parking lot along the river.

First view of the dramatic setting of Sisteron.

Known as the "Pearl of Upper Provence", the town of Sisteron is located on the Route Napoléon, on the banks of the Durance river opposite Baume rock and is dominated by its imposing hilltop citadel.

Sisteron was a picturesque town.
A quiet, scenic place to stop, Sisteron sits right on the banks of the River Durance (and was a stopping point for Napoleon himself during his march to Paris). With its dramatic citadel mounted at the top of town and cliffs hanging either side, it almost looks as though Sisteron has just barely managed to squeeze itself into this corner of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.




The historic centre of this Provençal medieval fortified town is very picturesque and contains much built heritage of interest to walkers, including the Romanesque Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers cathedral, fortification towers, narrow streets lined with old houses and little squares decorated with charming fountains.
We wandered a bit on the bridge and along the river. Clicked some photos

LES MEES: AN UNUSUAL ROCK FORMATION AND A GEOLOGICAL WONDER

Les Mees WAS a 25 km detour from our main route.
This is an unusual natural volcanic rock formation which is a geological wonder. We remembered our Cappadocia trip in Turkey. The road goes along a man-made canal.



Seen far away from the road, the Pénitents des Mées are a strange formation of rocks. The rocks are about 100 meters high each and extend 2 kilometres.
These are known as the "Pénitents des Mées" because of their silhouette. As legend has it, they represent the monks of the Lure mountain who were petrified (literally) by Saint Donat during the Saracen invasions as punishment for falling in love with the beautiful young "Mauresques" women that a feudal lord brought back from a crusade.



The rocks resemble a procession of hooded monks with their pointed cowls, filled with shame because of their unholy desires, if one believes the legend...







We waited and clicked a lot of photos, then went ahead to the village not too far from the rocks.
The village is situated at the foot of the narrow rows of the "pénitents".
In medieval times, the village was enclosed by a rampart and the remains of the gate-ways can still be seen today ("porte St-Christol", "porte Baudouine", "porte Bertrand de Bras").
Came back to the rocks site. There are some caves there too. It is a nice picnic area with a sit out and toilets. We had Egg sandwiches and drinks that we were carrying with us. We wanted to keep it light on a long day.



Route Napoleon- stretch from Sisteron to Castellane





CASTELLANE:Castellane is a tiny village hidden away in the mountains. at the northern end of the Gorges of the Verdon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, It is a lively and historic town at the crossroads of the Route Napoléon and the Upper Verdon and Lavender road in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Verdon.
It has had a very turbulent history since Roman times.


Stunning view of the mountain top church and the stone bridge on the river.
The town itself is insanely picturesque with a stoney bridge marking its entrance from the mountains outside and the azure waters of the Verdon River running below. Crane your neck skywards and you’ll see the Chapelle Notre Dame du Roc perched on top of a soaring hill overlooking the town. The Roc is a geological wonder in the Verdon Valley. It protects the town of Castellane, which is nestled at the foot of this majestic block of limestone, and dominates the Verdon at a height of nearly 200 metres. The Roc became a historically listed site in 1933. The ancient village of Castellane dates back to the Middle Ages.



The Provençal old town is a maze of picturesque narrow lanes, fortified vestiges like the Tour Pentagonale (five-sided tower) and Porte de l'Horloge (clock gateway), and the beautiful Place Marcel Sauvaire square – the heart of Castellane's action. 34 Rue Nationale is a house where Napoleon stopped to lunch on 3 March 1815 on his return from the island of Elba. There are a handful of shops and cafes skirting the town center, including an incredible boulangerie serving up the best pain-au-chocolat around.

The village, classified "city of character", has preserved and valorized its cultural heritage, and three monuments are listed. It was a pleasant to stroll through the typical alleys with its houses with colorful facades.


ROUTE DE GENTELLY:Termed as one of the 10 most breathtaking, ultimate drives, the D2, winding its way North from the town of Vence near the French Riviera, 962 metres up to the Col De Vence and beyond, has played host to many a launch, for it basks in typically Mediterranean sunshine most of the year and offers some of the best driving you’ll ever experience.

I was skeptical about our safety while driving on this route. I posted this question on Fodors Forum too.
a Bike rider who has written his travelogue about this ride..
"My heart raced as I pulled up to the wall that was probably no more than 12-14” wide that separate me from a sheer drop of close to 1,000ft to an unquestionable cause of death!
This would be the place of nightmares for the squeamish and in fact this road has been known to be closed to vehicles in certain weather conditions due to numerous deaths over the years. If you take liberties here it will be your very last mistake! A fall over the edge here and you are history in the time it takes to free fall nearly 1,000ft ,or more.

I showed the pictures and youtube videos to my elder daughter, who is quite adventurous, and she was very excited about it. she said "what is the point of going so close and not doing it" This is undoubtedly one of the best, scenic and breathtaking routes in the world and we didn't want to miss it.



Opened in 1898, it was initially used for transporting wood but soon became a curiosity for tourists. Indeed, thanks to its location at the heart of a majestic cirque with breathtaking landscapes.


It’s a kind of road not for those who fear heights. There is little room for error on these roads. It’s normal for your palms to sweat looking at those photos, imagine what it must have been like before the barriers. It runs as a single track road along the mountainside for some distance with nowhere to pass another vehicle. Here one says a prayer that nobody is coming towards you until the road widens some kilometres further.There is nowhere to pull over on such a narrow road anyway.




It’s often referred to as one of the most spectacular roads in France. The road, soaring above the valley, goes through several tunnels, providing a mighty scenery for photos. Interesting enough, there are barely any people here – besides a few cyclists. The road still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey and is definitely not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs


The last 13 km of this route is called “Route De Gentelly” which is supposed to be one of the ten most exciting drives in Europe. It becomes very thrilling as it goes high up in the mountain along a narrow gorge and passes through stone arches. It started drizzling as we entered this route. We took a video of this drive. It is not risky as we drove at a speed of 30km/ hr. and enjoyed the scenery and the drive. There are similar stone arches on the main route as well. This was a 30 km detour. This was one of the highlights of our trip. One of the best drives till now. I would have repented if we would not have taken this route.

We drove to Cole de Vence and onto Vence, another 17 km. We stopped at a beautiful stud farm on the way. Rich people got their kids here for riding. There were super cars parked outside. This was the first ranch I have been to.






Hill top village Vence.




Red poppies in the spring

St. Paul De Vence:
We did not stop at Vence and proceeded to St. Paul De Vence. We parked outside the city gate in a restaurant parking. They were closed after lunch and would open again at 6.30 pm. We had covered 412 km from Doussard out of our 435 km of total Journey till 4.30 pm. We had taken numerous photo stops on the way, but were still on target. We were relaxed as we had covered most of our journey in time.

That's the first enticing view of the village. Built on its rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built on the orders of Francois 1st, St Paul is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
A story told in stones could be its unofficial motto. Very well preserved old stones! A typically Provençal village, Saint-Paul is completely encircled by its 16th century ramparts built by the order of King Francis I.


The chilled, unhurried way of life in St. Paul de Vence.
Tourists and locals playing together.



Lot of chic art galleries in this town

Village well


The walls that raise the village on its roost are from the mid-15th century, and have not been changed since they were built. Above them, Saint-Paul-de-Vence isn’t much more than one street, Rue Grande, with enticing crevasse-like alleys and stairways branching off it.



We walked around the narrow and so picturesque streets of the village, from the Porte Royale to the Porte Sud via the (pedestrianised) and you discovered magnificent stone facades from the XVIth and XVIIIth centuries.



The village is a maze of charming streets, the floral exuberance of the gardens, the little shady squares, ancient fountains, gateways and porches, or wonderful windows.




The Collegiate Church (14th-18th c)

There are only 300 residents in this village. That could be the lowest in France. Other shop and gallery owners live outside in farms and villas around the village.

The 1950s and '60s were the village's Golden Age. Saint-Paul became an amazing film set, hosting French and foreign movie stars drawn to the French Riviera by the Victorine film studios in Nice and by the Cannes Film Festival. Jacques Prévert lived in Saint-Paul for about fifteen years, occupying a tiny house right in the centre of the village called La Miette. He acted as a magnet on other film directors such as Henri-Georges Clouzot and André Cayatte. James Baldwin and Marc Chagall lived in the village for almost 20 years, but opted for the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside. For over a century now, Saint-Paul de Vence has been forging its identity as a hub of the arts and culture. Its reputation now extends well beyond the frontiers of the French Riviera, boosted by the famous Maeght Foundation inaugurated in 1964.

We wandered the pebbled streets of this pedestrian town. Stone houses reminded us of Yvoire. Lot of art galleries here. Lots of famous artists lived here and many galleries host their artworks. We fell in love with Saint-Paul de Vence.

It drizzled a bit. We sat in a small street side cafe. I had a mushroom pizza. ( I am a vegetarian, other three eat fish and chicken. Pizza is a safest bet for me.)
Both daughters had crepes and sandwiches.

From the restaurant, I called up the JLP landlord on Viber and requested to me meet us at 7 pm. The 23 km drive from ST Paul de Vence to Juan les Pins via Cagnes Sur mer and Antibes was scenic and took 30 minutes. Filled Petrol 30 E-(20 Ltr). We reached 6.55 pm which was about 45 minutes earlier than the planned tour.

Very few days go exactly as per the script. This was one of the longest drives through mountains. I was happy and relieved.

The apartment has a secured gate to its parking area at the back of the building. The gate lock opens with a remote. The apartment landlord Fernando came up, explained everything and took a deposit of and the rent for for 5 days in advance. He promised to come at 6.45 am on the date of check out, which he did and returned our deposit. Good points about it was friendliness of the owner Ivana and her husband Fernando. Willingness to meet outside check in or check out hours. It was a well equipped apartment, tastefully decorated. Had a dining table in the balcony, that overlooked the town. Also gave us basic kitchen supplies like spices, sugar, salt, oil, tea bags Secured parking Good location for people having a car. Also close to public transport, restaurants, grocery shops Nice sandy beach at 5 min walk. We stayed here for 5 days. Bedroom was a bit compact, but didn't bother us much. We should have taken a sea facing apartment to get the feel of the Riviera, but could not get an ideal one near Antebes. Choice of this location was deliberately kept a bit away from Nice, yet close to all the places in the Riviera.
We had some red wine, which was well deserved and very relaxing indeed.
We walked 6 minutes to my BIL's (Rajesh) apartment at 9 pm to collect his keys as his flight from London was delayed.
Came back to the apartment. Rajesh, lil Hrithik and my MIL came down at 11.30 pm in a red Renault Cleo to collect the keys. Hrithik was exited that the whole family had come to celebrate his 6th birthday. MIL and BIL were happy too. It was a nice and warm feeling to have a family holiday. The last time we had such a holiday was 5 years back in Switzerland when Hrithik was 1 year old.

We roughly decided the plan for next 4 days. Slept at 12.30 am. It was a long day and satisfying day indeed.

Paragkash

Thanks
Coquelicot, Adelaidean, kerouac, rhon for your encouragement and kind words.

Challenging the fine would have meant we going to the police station with them. It could have been traumatic for my daughters, as they were feeling guilty too.
We were driving carefully, even more carefully now. The beauty of the French countryside made us momentarily forget the Cops and fine.
We almost recovered the amount paid to the French government when we took non toll roads. Though, that was the original plan to drive through countryside, we did also planned to take some toll routes earlier. We had a lot of time on our hand too. Fine was a minuscule amount in terms of the tour. But it gave us some kind of strange satisfaction
When I look back, in most cases, non toll road are much more scenic and relaxed.

Coquelicot

Driving down those smaller roads is what, to me, gives the real flavor of France. You have some spectacular photos here. Vicarious travel is the only way we can stay in touch with France these days. Thank you very much!

I recognize the satisfaction of the trip planner when seeing the road signs in person that you'd been visualizing during your months of planning. Nobody else gets that but the planner.

I'm looking forward to reading bout the family get together and the little boy's birthday.

geetika

Yes, in these times we can only indulge our travel bug vicariously. Paragkash, your latest segment brought back happy memories of our first visit to the Côte d’Azur. Some 30+ years back DH and I spent the day before Christmas wandering around St Paul de Vence. Later that evening we attended midnight mass at the cathedral in Cannes, standing right at the back as there wasn’t any place to sit. Much later still we drove back along the Corniche to our lovely family run hotel at Cagnes sur Mer...the crazy things you do when you’re twenty something!

eigasuki

Really enjoying reading your trip report, Paragkash; travelling with you in virtual terms and reminded of a somewhat similar (up to a point) I did, planned to coincide somewhat with the 2014 Tour de France. I took breaks from following the Tour spending a few days based in Zellenberg and visiting Strasbourg, Colmar, all the lovely villages. i then did the overnighter in Switzerland, as you did, en route to Lake Annecy, though I spent the night in Gruyere. I then spend a couple of chill days staying in Talloire. One day I did the boat tour of the lake with a visit to Annecy, next day I treated myself to lunch at the fancy restaurant and hung out by the pool. It's super cool to see pictures of places I visited - some of them similar, though better quality , to my own

Then I dropped off the car in Geneva and flew to Toulouse to pick up le Tour again. Looking forward to your Provence and Dordogne segments, which I did on a previous trip

I know what you mean by the thrill of seeing signage that matches your planning. Travelling by myself, thorough planning is necessary to avoid stress and possibly putting oneself at risk. As a west Australian, I never get over the thrill of seeing signs for more than one city, let alone other countries. I'll never forget seeing a sign for Barcelona as I was driving in France, I think as I was leaving Carcassone or somewhere in that area

reetuthakoor1170

Hello Paragkash, just finished reading your trip report and found it brilliant. We are family of 3 and are planning a 35 day trip this May and your itinerary was very helpful and gave us plenty of helpful tips.
I wanted to ask, how many total kms did you clock for the full trip?
Also, if you don't mind, I wanted to know what was the total expenditure for the trip. (I know it was a long time ago, but a rough figure will help us get an idea of how much will be spent since we are also going for roughly the same period)