Having left Merryn safely in a boat yard in Arbatax, Sardinia we spent a few weeks back in England seeing friends and family. We drove across France just over a week ago, having a lovely break in Troyes where we enjoyed our first French meal at Aux Crieurs du Vins – black pudding, smoked duck and wild boar accompanied by delicious organic French wine. The French countryside was stunning, autumnal trees turned golden by the low sunlight.
It took only a little time to sort out the apartment after we had some renovation work done over the summer, so we were soon able to enjoy the final few days of autumn. There is snow above 2000m but at lower levels the fields are still grassy, the forests a rich mix of gold and green, and the farmers are making the most of still being able to graze their cattle and sheep outside. We’ve had some lovely blue sky days and have walked to some of our favourite spots at the lakes below La Sassière, La Falconière just above Ste Foy and from La Rosière to the Petit St Bernard Pass at the Italian border.
This weekend we decided to try out the recent snow fall at Le Fornet and did a short skin up to Edelweiss. The walk up and picnic lunch were lovely but the descent was less than ideal with only a thin layer of icy rutted snow. Val Thorens opened at the weekend and it sounds as though it was absolutely rammed as everyone rushed to get back on the slopes after missing the whole of last season. Val d’Isere opens this weekend and I expect it will also be really busy. We wandered around Val d’Isere and Tignes this week and there was a new buzz and energy as shops, hotels and restaurants prepare for what they hope will be a great season. The only thing missing at present is snow, although the forecast is for snow this week and heavy snow next week. Fingers crossed!! We’ll be heading up to Val d’Isere and Tignes this Saturday for the opening day and will have some more pictures to post as the season gets underway.
It looks fabulous and we can’t wait to join you. Xx