Van repaired, Lac Annecy and sunshine!

Tues 17^th

After a night in the carpark behind the Fiat garage we handed over the keys to the van and retreated to the waiting room. We were made very welcome and soon had spread ourselves out and were tapping away on the free wifi. As my jaw was still very painful after being flattened in La Rosiere we went into the nearby doctors. No receptionist, just a waiting room where we sat for 5 mins before the doctor himself came to invite us into his room. Not dislocated was his opinion but an x ray to determine if it was fractured would be prudent. I opted to have this done when we return to the UK next week, partially to save more time spent waiting around and of course money!! We already had anti -inflammatory tablets so more expense saved. Overall it was a very efficient and fast experience.

Back to the garage where we eventually got the van back at 4.20pm.  Naturally they had closed at 12 – 2pm for lunch, as most of France still seems to. Frustrating waiting all day but the van was fixed and of course it will be paid for by our warranty.

We drove to Faverges where there is a free aire with great views – but the guide doesn’t mention it is right on a busy road.

Faverges aire

Weds 18^th

Over breakfast we had decided to stop near Lac Annecy as the weather was great. 18 deg C and blue skies. We drove to Verthier on the south end of the lake to a tiny campsite we had spotted last April.  It was as we half expected closed but I asked if we could just park up. No problem the owner Francois said as long as we were independent and required no services. Brilliant, €10 for 2 nights with the whole site to ourselves with views to die for. We were in heaven!

closed campsite!

After a cycle ride for me and a scoot outing for Tina we retired to our chairs outside for a late lunch and soaked up the views and warm spring sunshine. Very relaxing.

Lac Annecy behind me

Thurs 19^th

Another warm sunny day was forecast so I decided to cycle around the lake, which is about 28 miles. After breakfast sitting outside (on March 19^th!!!) I kitted up and arranged to meet Tina at the far end of the lake. What a beautiful sunny morning but there definitely was a fresh mountain chill to the air to make me pedal along quickly to keep warm. We met up as arranged and decided to just head back to the van for lunch as we were a bit late for coffee.

breakfast outside in the warm sunshine

 We did try to have just a drink at a restaurant / bar but were resolutely ignored for well over 10 mins. “Sod this” I said, “they are not getting one cent from me!”  this is the first time in all our travels in France that we have had such bad service, which is a real shame.

misty Lac

view from cycle path

Still, the cycle back was mostly downhill followed by a lovely road hugging the lakeside. Thankfully the service back at the van was prompt as I was by now starving. Thank you Tina.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon sitting in the sun and then we cleared out the van garage and repacked it ready for our drive north tomorrow. Our return date is starting to approach faster and faster, where has all the time gone?