Our trip to France

We had a great time in France, it helps a lot that the boys are older.  The travelling was much easier than last time although being kids they have their moments.

We have arrived in Chambery, tired and having played too many games and watched too much TV.

Overall flying Emirates was a better option because the travel time is so much less than flying through London.  Dubai airport is crazy busy though, heaving with people and hot.

At the gorgeous lake at Aix les Bains - note the sunshine.

There are some places that we have visited on each of my trips to France and it's lovely to take the boys back now and explore these towns through the boys eyes.

Where there is water you will find boys.

Still at Aix les Bains

 The mountain surrounds of Chambery is something that is so striking,  G and the boys spot the cross (the croix du Nivollet) a bit like the boys spot the flag at the town hall near our house.  It tells them they are close to home.

This was the first of two mini golf games, the boys just loved it.

Alex. in particular, was very passionate about mini golf.  Lacking in skill most of the time but very enthusiastic.  His style may need work as he has a little hop after each swing.  Luke was quite patient and proved himself the well rounded sportsman.


Following marmotte (little furry creatures) at Tignes



An amazing view at Tignes



Col de L'Iseran, snow at 2,700 metres.  Luke was very impressed.



The boys walking back from the lake, they are real troopers and covered lots of ground.

Riding borrowed bikes outside Grandpere Gilbert's house - thanks FiFi. 
Our boys really miss their bikes when we are away.



We always visit Lefecla, a ski resort, for some hiking.

Laflecla is another of the places we always go to. G has such fond memories skiing there as a child and enjoys being in the mountains - such a short distance from Chambery.



This was one of our best meals, a brassaire, we found this unsuspecting restaurant the only one open at Le Felcla.

 Luke is a great eater and adventurous as well.  He's good at trying new news and enjoyed the theatrics of cooking our meat ourselves and sampling the five dipping sauces to work out which he liked best.  Alex probably ate a lot of chips...

Alex was the King of the eclair.  I didn't know that he even
knew what they were.  Eclairs were on high request by Alex.

Grandpere took us out to a restaurant that specialised in frog's legs.  The kids love them.

At Chez Boucly, always a highlight of our trip, for me this is such a French style house and way of life.

And here is Francois (FiFi), G's oldest friend.  The boys
 spent the morning in the kitchen preparing desserts.

And a new experience for us, looking for mushrooms in the forest.  A brilliant afternoon.

We always have such a great time at Chez Boucly.  The kids get along well, there's too much good food and good wine and enjoyable relaxed company.


A very small amount of mushrooms in Lucie's basket.  Rest
assured we got a lot more - enough for a delicious meal.

Typical French breakfast laid out at Chez Boucly, Diane keeping
the kids under control with all that Nutella they eat!

This is just one photo of many ice-creams consumed on our trip.  Our kids with the Boucly's.