Today`s ride ticked all the boxes for a perfect way to spend a lovely Saturday with your sweetheart. The easy-to-follow level grade cycle path between Aix les Bains and Chambéry was fabulous on a warm sunny fall day. Pat declared that this was her favourite kind of cycle touring!
Starting today, there is a string of nice sunny days forecasted in the Savoie region of France. Perfect weather to complete our last few days of riding to Geneva.
We started the day with breakfast in our room. We were not in a hurry as todays ride to Chambéry was not long. The day was just starting to warm up as we headed out from our hotel. We had not gone more than a few blocks when we noticed a busy street market and who can resist a market day in France? We love them and wish we could shop like this at home.
We left town and headed down to Lac du Bourget. It has the distinction of being the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France. We easily located the bike path running right beside the lake and followed it past the end of the lake and for the next fifteen or so kilometres to Chambéry. The lake reminded of us of riding in Austria`s Salzkammergut region. The clear blue water against the steep green mountain backdrop. Beautiful!
We had coffee at a cafe along the main street of Chambéry and later circled around the streets admiring this historic town. We had planned a different route back to Aix les Bain but were uncertain as to how busy the nearby roads might be. We elected to ride the cycle path in reverse. It was a good decision as it was as enjoyable heading North as it was going South.
All former Olympic venues. Grenoble `68, Albertville `92 and Turin `06. Must be some good skiing around here.
Our room has a kitchenette and a balcony, so we picked up some take away from a local vegetarian restaurant and a fresh baguette for dinner. We had a great day today and are seeing plenty of reason to come back to this area on another trip. Tomorrow, we continue on to Annecy.
