A trip to Briançon - French Maritime Alps
July 2007
This was originally planned as a
2 week trip but due to unforeseen circumstances was now going to be only 1
week. The crossing was duly booked, this time on the ferry from Dover to
Calais on Sea France. The idea was to ride some of the passes that the
Tour de France was routed on and stop in Briançon
to watch the tour come through. So now that the first week had been
cancelled riding the route still had to be done. Well somebody has to! I
had had a very wet trip to Austria the month before, it was time to get
some passes in sunshine. I decided to use "Boris"
my BMW 1200 GSA instead of the Cagiva Elefant I usually ride when on
solo trips. Adrian my friend had a BMW 1100 GS so it was to be an all BM
trip.
Preparations duly made it was only to be on time at 05:30 at Clackett Lane Services to meet up with Adrian. A quick easy ride to Dover and I was pleasantly surprised to see the progress Sea France had made in bike stowage. A purpose built ride in cradle was the order of the day and 2 quick straps made short work of holding the bikes safely.
The Route from Calais
Day 1 Calais - Balot
Balot is (near Châtillon-Sur-Seine) and North of Dijon, a small rural village away from the busy péage. We stayed in Balot a great B&B called Auberge De La Baume, where they cater especially for bikes and have a lock up garage to keep them safe. We booked a twin room to share but because it was low season and the hotel was quiet instead we were given a Gite for the night. Read lots of room. Although the Gite is self catering we decided to try the restaurant & pub which were great. I can highly recommend staying here, just a pity it was only for 1 night. as the area is beautiful and the roads quiet.
Here is a link to the website for Auberge De La Baume .
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| Auberge De La Baume |
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| A typical rural scene just after leaving Balot |
We travelled mainly on péage for speed but I must mention on how expensive it was, even for bikes which are half the price of cars. If you have the time use the national or 'N' roads as they are well made and free, just a little slower but more scenic and have less traffic.
Day 2 Balot - Villarodin
This involved a nice early start, thanks to not having to pack tents and gear, so off south again back to the péage near Dijon picking up the A6 until hanging a left at Macon towards Genève and then turning South again past Lake Annecy. The scenery was decidedly looking like mountains (surprise surprise) but along the shores of Lac Annecy there are many holiday resorts and villages so 50 Kph (30Mph old money)-- is slow going.
After reaching Chambéry it was again east to Albertville and the first of many great mountain passes, the Cormet du Roseland followed by the Col de l'Iseran an overnight camp at Villarodin at the foot of the Col de l'Iseran as the night was drawing in. What a day the passes were awesome.
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| Cormet du Roseland |
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| Top of the Col de L' Iseran |
Day 3 Villarodin - Briançon
Getting up in the morning and having this greet you has to be a plus.
The highlight of the day has to be Col du Galibier it is awesome. Have a look at the following pictures to give you an idea.
........ to be continued
LA Baume