25th September 2023
Overcast skies cast a dull spectre over the day as we ventured out to the car to further explore this region and find somewhere for breakfast. Fortunately for us, the dull skies soon turned to bright sunshine and a warm day. Initially we decided to head towards Lugrin, a small village not far from Evian in the direction of Montreux. It seems that it doesn't matter if it is Sunday or Monday, very little activity in the cafe scene was apparent till well after 10am. We continued on, passing through some scenic little towns, but food ws eluding us.
View from the car on our drive whilst the clouds were still threatening
Environmentally friendly timber guard rails being installed
Before long we found ourselves in Saint Gingolph, in Switzerland.
A fisherman trying his luck in Saint Gingolph
Leaving Saint Gingoplph
Breakfast was now looking like brunch, so we decide to drive back to a larger place Thonon, just the other side of Evian. Along the way we have to wait for a train.
Go under an Arch across the road.
Then through Evian and on to Thonon which turns out to be a bigger place but certainly not lacking in charm. As usual we drive through and get as close to the centre as we can, whilst being able to find a parking space. It is our first experience with their electronic parking meters, but they are no too different from home so we work it out.
Thonon is yet another stunning lakeside town. Beautiful buildings established high on the escarpment overlooking the lake, with funicular access to the lakeside settlement of the port and many waterfront restaurants.
Access to the lower town is by Funicular Rail
Funicular Station
Funicular car waiting to leave
The streets are no busier here and it is almost 11 am
City Hall faces a pretty empty square
Thonon's oldest Church, Church Saint Hippolyte dates back to the 12th century
We eventually found a nice little boulangerie and settled in for brunch. For us it was a bit of a change from the baguette, ham and cheese, as we tried the quiche which was very tasty. Now replenished we stepped back into the town with a view to collecting some items for a light dinner back at the hotel.
First stop was a fromagerie that had been strongly recommended (Fromagerie du Noyer), and rightly so so. We bought a couple of healthy wedges of some local cheese, some sliced local smoked ham, a bottle of chardonnay and some saucisson. A pretty good starting point for a meal.
The owner recommended this saucisson which we bought and enjoyed
Next we needed some bread. John had tracked down a boulangerie and patiently waited in line to get our baguette and a few other treats.
A very popular place
A trip to Carrefour on the way back to La Verniaz should help fill out the menu. In the meantime we still have more of the town to see on our way back to the car.
Still not many people around
When get back to the edge of the escarpment we see the beautiful building below, which must have the best location in town. It now appears to be lawyers offices.
Not a bad view
Thonon was lovely and we are now heading back to Evian. It is such a clear day we can see the alps in the background.
We could also see them from La Verniaz car park when we arrived back
It was only a short drive back to La Verniaz where we dropped off the car and our food purchases for dinner tonight, and then caught the funicular back down to the lake. It is well past lunch time and we had a late brunch, so a walk along the waterfront to our new favourite lakeside cafe for a couple of cold beers (hot chocolate for the ladies) and a plate of hot chips should tide us over until dinner time.
There is so little wind that the lake surface is like glass but it did not deter this fisherman and sailor
On the way back to the funicular we passed yet another driftwood sculpture.
Also nearby is the Evian Thermal Spa, finally the sun is in the right place to get a photo.
Soon we are back on the funicular and on our way back up the hill to La Verniaz. It is a fantastic service and it is free !
The funiculat track is becoming a very familiar sight
After a few hours rest we were ready for dinner, hosted in John and Sharon's room with furniture, glasses etc moved from our room to make up the numbers. John laid out a veritable feast which we managed to systematically work our way through with liberal amounts of local wine.
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