“The groundhog is a small animal, throughout the winter, takes her temperature with his nose.” Frequently Asked Dunces, Jean-Charles

Always fallow the Roquette-sur-Siagne as my training is not completed, we nevertheless granted a new expedition ! A weekend in the hamlet of House Méane, located 1800 m altitude in the valley of Ubaye Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in the town of Larche (04530).

Departure on Friday afternoon with two friends, we took the road to Nice, then Isola Village ; it took encourage TNT to climb the road to Isola 2000, because with four people on board some corners had to be spent in the first ! Arrived safely, we could continue in the laces of the Col de la Lombarde to the Italian border at the top of the neck. The descent is made in Italy gently to avoid all the obstacles of the narrow road : thick fog, Cows on the road, backhoe !

Laces Col de la Lombarde

Shepherds on the road in Italy

It is safe and sound we reached at Vinadio (Italian town) to start a new collar, both French and Italian names : Madelena en Italie et en France Col de Larche. Much less difficult than the first ; the sun waiting for us on our return on the French territory and it is late afternoon we arrive at Jacques and Anne-Marie, where a third thief already expecting us. Greeted by friendly biting Autumn St. Bernard and the warmth of the cottage, we quickly find ourselves sitting around the large wooden table to taste the dishes of Anne-Marie… and what dishes ! Antipasti in entrée, stew and polenta, garden salad and cheese, drizzled with organic wine and ended with a delicious apple cake and cream. Belly sated we spend a great night in the motorhome, little bothered by the cold.

Breakfast at Chalet du GERMAS

In the woods

8h standing to enjoy breakfast almost as hearty dinner ! Filled, we start with Jacques to explore the surrounding. The three hour drive was finally transformed into hiking nearly six hours, but what a day ! Mushroom picking, discover the fauna and flora with a guide to the very fact ! We had the chance to see a new-born lamb, her mother being away from the herd to give him the day. Roman remains, marmottes, raptors, and the last stop at Lake Lauzanier. We are breaking the crust briefly to regain strength in a beautiful setting.

Second marmot !

Snack break after three hours of walking

We would install it ! But it is time to return for three hours walk we are still waiting to join the house. We returned by road and were able to see the horses closer.
If walking has dug us, dishes Anne-Marie quickly filled the gap ! Delicatessen, Leg of Lamb (not the little that we saw in the morning ! But even the corner…) a gratin de blette, panna cotta and red fruit coulis.
We would have stayed a few more days but the train is waiting for me in the late afternoon, then we slowly resume the way of the plain.

Next episode… (the rest of the photos is here !)