Chanaz to Aix-les-Bains

The route we took to Aix was the high one around the west side of Lake Bourget, taking in part of the Col du Chat. After an easy, flat road out of Chanaz we climbed uphill for an hour or so onto the 'balcony' where there was an excellent view of the lake and outlying mountains. We were passed frequently by other cyclists on lightweight bikes, as the route is very popular, however we made it to the top without resting using our next to lowest gears. The added weight of the panniers makes such a difference and I would love to tour this part of France without them. 

The road down to Aix was very steep, with lots of hairpin bends, and we took it very easy, stopping off to look at the view and other cyclists. One young man had a rope tied to an older cyclist's bike and they were going up the Col du Chat in tandem (photo below),

By the lake we stopped for lunch at one of the many cafés near the marina. 

There are two options for the ride into Aix when you pass the airport runway: the voie verte by the lakeside, which is shared with pedestrians and roller bladers, or at the side of the main road in a marked cycling lane. We took the lakeside route which was very smooth and, being Saturday, was being used by joggers, roller bladers, dog walkers etc. Families were picknicking and sunbathing on the grass by the lake and the occasional aeroplane took off from the airport at the end.

When we had checked into our hotel and showered we explored the town. There was a 'tea dance' in the square outside and men were playing chess on several tables provided by the city, so we sat down for a while with a glass of beer and wine to take in the view. There was also a wedding and they had some nice cars to drive away in!

Choosing a restaurant is not always an easy thing to do in a large place that you have not visited before but we have found trip advisor very useful. We struck lucky this time at a small place just on the edge of the city centre called Comedie des Pates. We got the last table for two on the terrace and there was a group of three singers playing outside. The pasta was homemade and I had my first crême brûlée of the holiday. Most of the diners obviously knew the songs as they sang along to most of them and then got up to dance. Not something I have seen in England or Australia. Everyone seemed very happy and it made the meal a little special. It only cost us 49 Euro for a three course meal with a 1litre bottle of San Pellegrino mineral water, two apéritifs, a demi pichet of wine and two coffees, plus the normal free nibbles and bread.

Today, on our rest day, we met up with an old friend who lives here, had a walk in the park and visited the Musée Faure, a small gallery that has some excellent impressionist paintings and a room full of Rodin's sculptures. Tomorrow we leave and will be heading towards Annecy.