If you are wondering what the city of Chambery is like, well it is pretty nice. It is settled up against the foothills of the alps with mountains on two sides. There is an old part of town in the center that is closed to traffic. There must be 200 sidewalk style cafes there. And shops of all kinds to peruse. Being Saturday today, I found out the major square in the city center has a huge public market. That will be fun once I get my own kitchen in a couple weeks!
I have also been looking for an apartment to rent for the summer while I am here. I think I have finally found one. It is a very small studio that is currently occupied by a student. He is leaving in two weeks and I plan to move in on June 15 (although I need to finalize the paperwork still). That will be a huge burden off my mind and shoulders. Until then, I will continue to stay at the Ibis Budget Hotel. it is nice and clean, the staff very helpful, and close to the city center. Since I am going to be staying here for a couple more weeks, they gave me a huge discounted rate and free breakfast in the morning. Like I said, the staff has been very helpful to me.
I mentioned that I was going to recon the area earlier. I did that and it was enlightening. I drove over to Grenoble (about 60km or 35 miles from here. There is a bike path there that I will be checking out soon as well). From there, I drove to Le Bourg d’Oisans which is the starting point for the epic Alpe d’Huez bicycle climb of Tour de France fame. Driving up to Le Bourg D’Oisans was good to have done. It was a very narrow road with little to no shoulder. I decided automatically that I did NOT want to ride a bike there. I would need to drive up to Le Bourg d’Oisans and ride from there.
I drove up to the top of the Alpe d’Huez to make sure the I would know the route in the future and it is looks to be a nice challenge. 21 switch backs before you get to the top. There were lots of people making there own attempts of the Alpe that day.
Next, I continued up the valley past the village of La Grave. This is the way up to the Col de Lautaret and the Col de Galibier. It would not be too bad of a bike ride but there were lots of tunnels, one of which was nerve racking in a car let alone a bike. When and if I try the Galibier, I will go from the other side of the Col de Lautaret (where there are NO tunnels to traverse). As of right now, the Col de Galibier is still closed due to snow, but I think it will open soon. Oh, a quick note. “Col” is the french word for pass. Hope that clears some confusion.
Then it was down valley again past Le Bourg d”Oisans again to the start of the Col de Croix de Fer (or Pass of the Iron Cross). It is a long climb, over 30 km (or about 20 miles) and a bit cruel. You go up, but then down a few times before the summit. Along the way, you pass the summit of the Col de Glandon which goes up from a different direction (and a possible ride of the future too).
So I have some plans for big rides now. As I mentioned before, I now know that I will need to rent a car on those days since I do not want to navigate the narrow shoulder-less roads between Grenoble and Le Bourg d’Oisans, and the fact that it is just too far to ride from Chambery. It is also worth noting that I had forgotten the majesty of the alps. They are beautiful, steep and awe inspiring.
Back in Chambery, I have scouted out some local rides. There is a nice bike path that goes to Grenoble as I mentioned. It also goes the opposite direction to Lake Bourget and I think it will be a staple of my local riding .
So…….. , so far everything is going pretty well here. There have been some close calls now and then. Like yesterday. The rental car company e-mailed me and said that they couldn’t find where I dropped the car off on Thursday. It was a holiday and I had to drop it and leave the key at a hotel reception desk. So I was hoping no-one stole the car. That would have been a major problem. luckily, it was just where I had left it, albeit in the Avis car area, not the Europcar parking area (who I rented the car from). Then there was the problem of fueling the car up. first, I could not figure out how to open the fuel door for the car. Once I got that figured out (by looking at pictures in the owners manual written in french!), then I had to figure out which nozzle was for diesel (which is not called diesel in france, duh!), then my credit card was rejected at the pump! That would be bad!!! Luckily, it worked at the next gas station I tried and has worked ever since.
Lastly, I know everyone likes pictures. I promise to start including them in the next postings. I promise.
Again, Au Rrevoir
Well look at you being all French already! Since your a retired engineer you’ll figure everything out just fine. Yes take pics!! Start with the marketplace and what do they serve you for breakfast that’s free over there? Sounds fun and exciting and you just got there BUT be safe✌️
HI Greg- so I’m looking at a map and see right across the street from your hotel is a Japanese restaurant, and it turns out a French restaurant (Restaurant Le Tourmesol) (I’m not joking) only a few blocks away. Good to know. I tried to follow your exploration of the different tour rides. Turns out Google Street view works in France too, so I can virtually check out some of the roads. I looked at a few of the major roads, I don’t see any shoulders. I looked at the Alpe d’Huez on street view (at least I think this was the route). awesome views for sure. In a way it reminds me of Glacier National Park, but at a lot lower altitude. Awesome. Looking forward to more and photos too. stay safe!!
Of course you are right. There is a Japanese sushi restaurant right across the street, but I am going to eat French food during my stay. My favorite place is right down the street, Bistrot Du Verger.
The bike infrastructure around here is pretty impressive. So many roads and streets have bike lanes or paths that riding on the major highways is not generally required. If you get onto the local roads, the traffic seems to just disappear. The roads going up Alpe d’Huez and the other Cols don’t really have wide shoulders, but lots of people ride them so traffic is looking out for bicyclers.
I looked on the internet for French bike paths and was amazed at the amount of infrastructure that existed. If I can find the link, I will send it to you.
Good job Greg!!! Have fun!! Have a glass of wine for me!
Greg,
How long are you staying in France? Sounds like you’ll be there the entire summer and for the Tour, of course?
Looking forward to your pictures!
Scott, I can stay in the EU for 3 months on the standard tourist entry. I will be staying for a little less than that, 2 months in France and a week in Iceland on the way home. Frankly, I missed the summer in Wenatchee last year and I wanted to try to have at least a few weeks this year. I will be here in July so yes, I will go see part of the TdF while I am here. That should be fun.
Glad to hear it’s going well. I like the translations. Definitely an adventure. It’s great that people are so nice to you. Favorite food so far?
Steve B and I road with the Kranks today. Talked about you and your hill addiction. Sounds like you’re in the right place.
Say hello to the Kranks for me. They are a great bunch of bike riders and I enjoyed my Mondays with them. As far as an addiction? Guess I am guilty as charged, but I have partners in crime. I blame Greg Chapek, Steve Barson, and Paul Purmort as enablers.