On a clear morning we took our leave of the hustle and bustle of Chamonix, with its constant toing and froing at the bus station across the road from our apartment.
We would be doing klms of it from Chamonix to Castellane, taking 6 days and 4 stays, plus a couple of detours. So, prior to that distraction, we were heading west and through the trees we managed to catch a glimpse of that elusive Mont Blanc.
But the outlook is marvellous. Which is flanked by Lac de Roselend and its m high wall. Cormet de Roselend was quite busy. These guys on their Vespas in full touring setup. The ski resort of Tignes was our destination for the night. The m Barrage de Tignes. It has featured in La Tour 27 times between and Saint-Michel-de Maurienne was pretty sleepy but we spent 2 nights there all the same, as a steady stream of bikers streamed past.
It was cool and bleak as we climbed 12klm out of Saint-Michel-de Maurienne toward the first of our 8 passes of the day. Then just down the road is Le Col followed by Collet du Plan Nicolas, neither of them deserving a marker. It is supposed to be used this year, but there is some doubt as it is still way deep in snow. The roads through here are Moto Perfect, especially with the sun wanely peeking as we take another of those extended side trips to Col Agnel which at m is the third highest paved road in the Alps and sits right on the Italian French border.
Before hanging a left with just a few kilometers to go we have the pleasure of the Gorges du Guil. The act is a protest by local farmers to raise visibility of the challenges they face. Must be a lot of sneaky farmers out there. Today is our final day on the Route des Grande Alpes. And all going like stick which is understandable. Redoute de Berwick built around Followed by a lovely drive to Col de la Cayolle chased by more of those sports cars β I conceded defeat and let them past.
