Felix in Europe Summer 2019

[NZCol]

Nice one. Just back, I ran through a lot of that on the Eiger Ultra Marathon ! Rode over from Grindelwald to KS then down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen then back round. Will be back next year in the van for the race again, 101km this time not the namby pamby 50k !

 

[SimonMc]

Nice one. Just back, I ran through a lot of that on the Eiger Ultra Marathon ! Rode over from Grindelwald to KS then down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen then back round. Will be back next year in the van for the race again, 101km this time not the namby pamby 50k !

That’s some effort @nzcoll!

 

[SimonMc]

That’s some effort @nzcoll!

Day 10 - last day in Swiss Alps

Started day with walk up the waterfall near campsite.

Cloud quite low so decided to get train via Interlaken to Brienz- the lake is an amazing green/ blue colour. Relaxing picnic by the lake

Took the ferry back to Interlaken stopping off at little villages on the way

Caught train couple of stops then decided to walk back up valley to Lauterbrunnen along the river

Had only second BBQ of the hols with view of the waterfall

Quiet night as off to Annecy tomorrow- managed to pack awning on first go!

Simon and Angela



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[SimonMc]

Day 11 - Lauterbrunnen to Annecy via Bern

The title says it all really. Set off early from the campsite and ended up on the slow road to Bern.

It’s gorgeous and reminds me of Newcastle (+ weather) with its rise up from the river. It even has its own version of a Grey Street. Would love to go back and spend a few days there. Poor led down to Annecy, set up at Campsite Belvedere about 1km south of the city, then spent the late afternoon and night wandering, eating and drinking.

Walked back al 11.30pm. You provide your own loo roll at the campsite. Savages.

I’ll do a write up of all the places we end up staying, for reference.

Happy hols!
Simon & Angela


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[Azteccamper]

Day 11 - Lauterbrunnen to Annecy via Bern

The title says it all really. Set off early from the campsite and ended up on the slow road to Bern.

It’s gorgeous and reminds me of Newcastle (+ weather) with its rise up from the river. It even has its own version of a Grey Street. Would love to go back and spend a few days there. Poor led down to Annecy, set up at Campsite Belvedere about 1km south of the city, then spent the late afternoon and night wandering, eating and drinking.

Walked back al 11.30pm. You provide your own loo roll at the campsite. Savages.

I’ll do a write up of all the places we end up staying, for reference.

Happy hols!
Simon & Angela


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I’m really enjoying reading about this trip. Like your taste in food and drink too

 

[SimonMc]

Day 12 - Lake Annecy

After a lazy breakfast we walked down into Annecy and hired bikes. You pay on return so we weren’t rushed, and chose as most people hiring bikes seem to do, to ride around Lake Annecy (clockwise as recommended). From the start it was great ... beautiful views, no steep uphills (great as the bikes were basic), plenty of villages en route.

We stopped at Talloires and bought salads for lunch which we ate 5 minutes later at the lake shore in the shade.

The total ride was 45km and mostly on cycle paths. We saw over 1000 bikes doing the same thing . Back to campsite for a shower then headed back into lovely Annecy

for drinks at Le Munich

and dinner somewhere in the old town. Angela had a fab Moules au Curry and I didn’t.

Bed by 10.30. Geneva tomorrow.

Simon & Angela


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[bloomers100]

Excellent, thanks for sharing

 

[westfalia]

I’m really enjoying reading about this trip. Like your taste in food and drink too

But that steak needs flashing back in the pan for a couple more mins, for me.

 

[Swiss Cheese]

Great commentary on your trip, thanks for sharing!

We live in Switzerland and go to Brienz every year to see Ballenberg the open air museum of Swiss houses. Coincidently we just arrived back from France today, where we stopped by Annecy on the outbound leg. Are you headed to Sisteron? We also went over the Col du Glandon which at 1924m is not for the feint hearted...

 

[TripleBee]

We also went over the Col du Glandon which at 1924m is not for the feint hearted...

Nice road. Would love to drive my California over that bendy road.
Feint hearted? I have done worse already, maybe not on that heigt, but have been higher as I went to the Rhone glacier in 2010. And to the parking for the cabane de Moiry.

 

[SimonMc]

Great commentary on your trip, thanks for sharing!

We live in Switzerland and go to Brienz every year to see Ballenberg the open air museum of Swiss houses. Coincidently we just arrived back from France today, where we stopped by Annecy on the outbound leg. Are you headed to Sisteron? We also went over the Col du Glandon which at 1924m is not for the feint hearted...

I’m free for 2 weeks on Sunday with no plans as yet so I’ll take a look at all recommendations. Thanks!
Simon


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[SimonMc]

Day 13 - Annecy to Geneva

Yesterday we cycled past a lovely spot for Felix so we headed there for breakfast this morning. Peace and quiet.

We decided to avoid the A roads and take the back roads. Eventually made it to Camping Pointe a la Bise just east along the lake of Geneva. Wow, what a fab place. Not cheap though, being Swiss. We prebooked the best pitch with a lake view and got set up. Today is National Swiss Day and we grabbed a few free leftovers from a party they threw in the morning. Wandering round the campsite we past by folk eating lunch in the restaurant and it looked too good to miss. Nearly everyone was having the fillets of perch in a lemon butter sauce so that was decided. Came with a free salad as first course.

. I’d never had a dish like this before...small fillets of perch (about a dozen in total) all beautifully cooked and draped in a light sauce. Chips were lovely too. Taken with a drop of wine, and no room for desserts.

The pitch is as close to Lake Geneva as it could be, so I’m happy for the next 3 days. Here’s a view from the van and back to the van.

(Felix is the one on the right). The Cali’s have bagged the best plots!!
We wandered briefly through bits of Geneva but most businesses are close for Swiss Day. The local park was getting set up for a night of fun..music, food, procession, fireworks and bonfire but we decided to head back and chill by the lake. This is lovely. Tomorrow our two girls fly out for the weekend. Highlight of the trip.

Regards, Simon & Angela


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[Swiss Cheese]

I’m free for 2 weeks on Sunday with no plans as yet so I’ll take a look at all recommendations. Thanks!
Simon


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I recommend Lac du Croix and Gorge du Verdon area. We stayed at Moustier Ste Marie 4 nights straight and loved that area. There are sites all around, but the one we found suited us as it was quiet with very clean facilities and washing machines! Also had a pizza van on-site to make life easy, and walking distance to the village. Swimming in the lake was great, best at a place called Bauduen at the other (south) end of the lake.

 

[SimonMc]

I recommend Lac du Croix and Gorge du Verdon area. We stayed at Moustier Ste Marie 4 nights straight and loved that area. There are sites all around, but the one we found suited us as it was quiet with very clean facilities and washing machines! Also had a pizza van on-site to make life easy, and walking distance to the village. Swimming in the lake was great, best at a place called Bauduen at the other (south) end of the lake.

Thanks. I’ll take a look
Simon



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[SimonMc]

Day 14 - Taking It Easy in Geneva

I usually write the post the day after, but I did yesterday’s in the evening. After I posted it all kicked off. We set ourselves up by the lake edge with of course the Cali chairs, and watched more fireworks than I’ve ever seen across the lake. There were about 20 different places setting them off all along the western shore of the lake, and some were being set off right by us too. Great fun! Why can’t we make St George’s day this good?

We decided that this was the one day we would not rush around. So, brekkie by the lake, games in the park, swim in Lake Geneva, a balmy 23°C water temperature.

We had ducklings

In the late afternoon we upped sticks to go into town to meet our two lovelies. They found us in a bar (well done kids).

. Quick beer or two then I had my arm twisted and we went to the perfect Relais de l’Entrecôte restaurant. We’ve been a couple of times to one of her sister restaurants in Paris the way it works is there is no menu but they bring you a great salad Then steak frites in a secret sauce followed by seconds. We sneaked in some pud too. Recommended!!!

It’s lovely having the girls here and even though we’ve owned Feli for just over a year, tonight marks the first time we have all slept in the van as a family of four. We gave the girls the top bed. Grrr.
Tomorrow we go to CERN! So excited.

Simon, Angela, Katherine & Rachel x




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[SimonMc]

Day 15 - CERN

Two weeks ago I managed to book places on the CERN tour for this afternoon. So, the four of us had a lazy morning at the campsite swimming in the lake again and enjoying the view. We headed to CERN on the bus and tram arriving at 12.00.

We rushed a recce through the Microcosm which has been updated since I was last here, then joined the 1pm tour. I’m very familiar with most things CERN, so I acted as “educator” for my three plus we met up with my cousin Jill and her husband and kids. I hope I didn’t confuse anybody.

The tour took in the ATLAS control room and (first time for me) the retired synchrotron from back in the day which they’ve preserved and turned into a great multimedia staged presentation.

It was a hot day so it was a relief to get into the globe to chill. I was excited as I always am to see Tim Berners-Lee’s old NeXt computer which ran the first www server code with the handwritten “Do not switch off” sticker on it

After CERN we wandered through a bit of the old town then headed to the supermarket to buy bits for BBQ later. Campsite beach was buzzing, and we enjoyed the atmosphere as the sun went down.

Simon & Angela


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[SimonMc]

Day 16 - Family Time

After breakfast the girls had a swim and of course ogled the ducklings, but this time in the water for a change

Today was a chance to visit the Old Town in Geneva. It was quietly beautiful, and we stayed for lunch before heading to Jet d’Eau

then towards the train station en route to the airport. We fell into Les Brasseurs to bookend the weekend, and then the girls shot off to the airport leaving me with this to finish.

Thanks, but it took me over an hour. Sad to see them all go, and tonight marks the start of two weeks where I really have not planned where I’m going. I booked an extra night at this campsite so I can plan my next stop. Fun and a hassle at the same time. Girls, I promise I’ll never have as much fun as the last two weeks. Xxx
Simon, Angela, Katherine and Rachel




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[Swiss Cheese]

If you fancy an expensive curry in Geneva, try KIRAN. I ate there a number of times while working down that way.

 

[SimonMc]

If you fancy an expensive curry in Geneva, try KIRAN. I ate there a number of times while working down that way.

Thanks@SwissCheese but as much as I love a curry, I’m no longer in Geneva.
Simon


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[SimonMc]

Day 17 Doubs and Jura

This was my first morning with no plans ahead. I pondered for way too long then settled on the small lake region in Jura, northwest of Geneva and over in France. I left the campsite knowing I’ll be back again, then headed through the city and along the western shore. Soon I was heading away and uphill into the long Jura Mountains. The views back were stunning, though a little hazy.

Geneva is on the right hand side of the lake and you can see the Jet d’Eau shooting upwards if you zoom in. On to Pontarlier in the Doubs region to buy a picnic and a visit to Decathlon to buy a stand up paddle board. We’ve seen so many people using them in France and Switzerland and they’re increasingly popular at home on the North Sea coast so I spent 45 minutes speaking French (I hope) to the lad in the shop and came away with a nice beginners setup. Now turned west and after a picnic en route I arrived at Camping Le Grand Lac de Clairvaux-les-Lacs on the outskirts of Clairvaux-les-Lacs. I hadn’t prebooked and was lucky to get the very last pitch. Only €20 for the night including electric hook up and direct lake access. So, in 29°C heat I pumped up the SUP, got my gear on then tried it out. Naturally, I’m rubbish and failed on my first two attempts but eventually got some kind of rhythm going. There were hundreds of potential onlookers which didn’t help my nerves. Fun though! This is a great campsite for young families with a nuts diving board.

which they were still using at 9.30pm!

Simon.


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[SimonMc]

Day 18 - Westwards to Burgundy

Woke up to a humid heat and the threat of thunderstorms, so packed up and headed off from this lovey campsite. The guide book pointed me to Château-Chalon and I parked up and spent an hour taking a look around. It’s a village with a long history and the most awesome views. Perhaps a place to stay in the future for a few days??

. Today was a hot one, reaching 32.5°C so decided to head across to the Morvan National Park in Burgundy - I’d spotted it on the AA Road Atlas as potentially bonny . I pulled over for lunch on the way by a beautiful river and ate the most tasty quiche de legumes ever.

. I popped into Autun briefly then drove the last leg to Lac des Settons and found a campsite at my second attempt. It’s great - the guy who runs gives you a map on a board and tells you to come back and tell him your pitch number. The problem is the choice! I settled on #68 then ordered croissant and baguette for the morning. The owner is a lovely old guy who takes things at his own pace. The campsite is dated, but very peaceful and no WiFi. Surrounded by trees I switched off . Met a lovely couple from near Lake Konstanz in Germany who’ve just bought a Coast and wanted to see what I’d bought and how I pack etc. They were most interested in the Cadac Safari Chef 2 that so many of us have, and my dull but useful VW seat covers.
Settled into reading “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” late into the evening and fell asleep upstairs to a constant gentle flashing of distant lightning. Missing home though.

Simon.


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[SimonMc]

Day 19 - Burgundian Sights

Right, I’ll keels this one short as I did too much driving and too little looking at stuff. I made the mistake of planning to stay at the same campsite for a 2nd night...

sadly this meant double the driving, and the Morvan forest is winding roads which take time. Anyway, visited a couple of lovey villages along the way (Vézelay and Noyers). 5/10 for the first and 9/10 for the second.

. Eventually made it back to the site. Picked a new pitch without a tree dropping stuff onto the awning. Omelette for tea for a change then early bed.
Simon


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[SimonMc]

Day 20 - Always do what the wife suggests...

In an attempt to get some stand up paddle board (SUP) practice, I started heading towards the lake I was at on Monday. However Angela sent me a link http://travellingeagles.co.uk/blog/our-top-3-inland-sup-destinations-europe which made me turn south. Decided to overnight in Grenoble and to save time I went on the Peage. It really chewed up the miles fast, the cruise control was sat happily at 81mph ,and it was great to be heading back towards the Alps. Wives just know what’s good for us...thanks Ange x. It was pretty tricky at each toll booth on my own sliding across to do the payments etc then jump back across into the drivers seat, stupidly fearing the barrier will drop. Is there a technique to this??
Anyway, arrived in the late afternoon heat to a campsite close to town. Very odd place but only €14. Had a pool which I didn’t use, and immediate access to the industrial estate! Ubered into town, had a stroll and a couple of beeers, visited the museum to see an 11,000 yr old human skull, the oldest found in the Alps.

Had onglet steak for dinner then taxi home for a much needed shower.

Didn’t sleep well in the heat. Grenoble’s in a beautiful location by the river Isère but I’ve been spoilt recently and it’s certainly no Annecy or Strasbourg. Or Geneva for that matter.
Regards, Simon.


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[westfalia]

Day 20 - Always do what the wife suggests...

In an attempt to get some stand up paddle board (SUP) practice, I started heading towards the lake I was at on Monday. However Angela sent me a link http://travellingeagles.co.uk/blog/our-top-3-inland-sup-destinations-europe which made me turn south. Decided to overnight in Grenoble and to save time I went on the Peage. It really chewed up the miles fast, the cruise control was sat happily at 81mph ,and it was great to be heading back towards the Alps. Wives just know what’s good for us...thanks Ange x. It was pretty tricky at each toll booth on my own sliding across to do the payments etc then jump back across into the drivers seat, stupidly fearing the barrier will drop. Is there a technique to this??
Anyway, arrived in the late afternoon heat to a campsite close to town. Very odd place but only €14. Had a pool which I didn’t use, and immediate access to the industrial estate! Ubered into town, had a stroll and a couple of beeers, visited the museum to see an 11,000 yr old human skull, the oldest found in the Alps.

Had onglet steak for dinner then taxi home for a much needed shower.

Didn’t sleep well in the heat. Grenoble’s in a beautiful location by the river Isère but I’ve been spoilt recently and it’s certainly no Annecy or Strasbourg. Or Geneva for that matter.
Regards, Simon.


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That food looks great, i like to wrap a chip
in some lettuce for a chip and salad combo

 

[SimonMc]

Day 21 - even further south to Provence

My destination for today is the beautiful Lac de Sainte Croix at the exit of the Verdon Gorge. Although yesterday went really well on the Autoroutes I decided today to go back to basics and stick to the quiet roads. I was not disappointed in fact it turned out to be one of the best drives of the whole holiday. Not long after leaving Geneva I was passing through a village called Vif and they had their Friday market on so naturally I pulled over into the car park and did a little bit of shopping. It was great just had to get out some shopping bags and buy some local produce.

Stocked up for the next couple of days and carried on the journey. I was heading south on the D1075 and it was just stunning all the way down. I think it could be even better driving from south to north. Popped into a local Decathalon to swap my manual pump for an electric pump. Believe me you don’t wanna be pumping things up in 35° of heat, and the lad in Pontarlier on Monday didn’t even mention that they do sell electric pumps. Took a couple of snaps on the way down to the lake

and then drove down some beautiful hairpin bends to reach the lake level. Pulled into the campsite it was extremely busy and the staff were very slow. Anyway eventually I found a pitch at the very highest and most northern part of the campsite which is hell to get up to in this heat but the plus side is and has gorgeous views of the end of the Verdon Gorge and down to that part of the lake.

Settled in for the evening, cooked tea,

took photographs and a bit of droning.

Planning to stay for a couple of nights. Early (cooler) start tomorrow on SUP

Simon


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