The first couple have arrived today with the remainder coming tomorrow for a weeks walking and visiting the delights of Savoie and Haute Savoie. We had dinner together in Vieux Annecy. A fondue and diots vin blanc with a nice Chignin white wine. Sent from my HTC
The Cevennes – Stevenson’s Trail but no donkey!
Just back from a long weekend in the Cevennes, covering the Gard and Lozere departments.? The weather, to put it politely, was somewhat mixed but we managed to make the most of it and enjoy some good walking.
We were based at St Jean de Gard at a lovely gite d’?tape.? I will post some pictures once I get them downloaded when I’m back home.
French Presidential Election
In the final days before the 2nd? and final round for the French Presidential elections the tension mounts.? Which way will France go?? Being a foreigner; I can’t vote so I’m simply an observer.
The commune where I live has certainly expressed a wish for the policies of Marine Le Pen, the Front National candidate who go almost 19% of the national vote; a record.? The results for my commune are below:
Most of the people that I know are sick and tired of Sarkozy but at the same time Hollande’s stated policies of increased state expenditure demand the question, “Where’s the money going to come from?”
As a (very) small business, registered in France I suffer the lot of many small businesses crushed under a stifling, bureaucracy where letters (even sent with an “Accuse de Reception” are ignored.? Social charges that in the early years are based on a “forfait” (provisonal profit figure) are enough to put anyone off launching a business.
The “debate” between Sarkozy and Hollande last night was not decisive but I felt that Sarkozy’s combative style reinforced any prejudice one might have.? At the same time Hollande didn’t appear comfortable with his figures and what concrete policy proposals he would implement.
Cycling in Savoie
I took the most of the sunny warm weather yesterday to go out on my bike.? I headed through the small village of Esserts-Blay with the sound of cow bells tinkling from the nearby fields.? The small back road that follows the river Isere was nice and peaceful and there were a few herds of goats in the neighbouring fields.
I crossed under the “voie rapide” (dual-carriageway) that connects Albertville with Moutiers and Bourg St Maurice and went through the village of Tours en Savoie.? Soon I was in the outskirts of Albertville and passing below the old medieval town of Conflans; sadly often missed with it’s old fortified walls.
I took the new (relatively) cycle path that follows the river d’Arly to Ugine after managing to “slipstream” a small motorbike to get some speed!? From here I headed for the Col de la Forclaz (Ugine/Queige) c.900m and started the ziz-zag climb past old chalets and bright green fields with flowers making their appearance.
Another cyclist caught me up and we chatted on the ascent and he turned out to be another “Accompagnateur” (International Mountain Leader) who works in the Beaufortain.? The col was finally attained and a fast, twisty, descent ensued to reach the village of Queige on the road that links Albertville with Beaufort.
The road was quite busy and the twists and turns as it follows the Duron so we had to take care with the traffic.? Soon we were back at Albertville where we parted company.? I headed back towards St Paul via Tours en Savoie and La Bathie followed by a sting in the tail; the climb back to Esserts Blay.
A good afternoon out and about 50km more in the legs plus the climbs.
“Take the key to the fields” – Prenez le clef des champs
An annual? “open” day at farms and other local producers today.? We visited a farm at the Col du Tamie close to the monastery and had a tour of the farm.? Some other producers were also there so there was a chance to find out more about snail production and taste some wines produced in Haute Savoie.
Chalet Savoie Faire – Cooking classes & beautiful accommodation
I went to visit Nikki from www.chaletsavoiefaire.com in the small hamlet of Naves.? Naves is perched high above the Tarentaise valley opposite the resort of Valmorel.
In winter Naves has cross-country ski trails and is an excellent spot for snowshoe walking too.? Facing South it’s a really sunny spot; no deep shadows in the winter.
Nikki and I compared our frustrations of dealing with French administration; hers with registering an old “classic” car and mine with the URSSAF that deals with “cotisations” (equivalent to National Insurance in the UK).
She showed me around the chalet; the massive kitchen with facilities for her cooking groups; the beautiful bedrooms and the lounge.? A great place to “get away from it all” or a “stop-off” on the way to and from the winter resorts.
After saying goodbye I took the time to visit the rock face about 10 minutes from the chalet and chatted with a few of the climbers there.
