SUNDAY
On Sunday afternoon at the IBIS Styles hotel at Thonon les Bains, more and more colorful cars started arriving for this year’s edition of the Route des Grandes Alpes. A nice range of rides gathered at the parking lot, starting from Elise S1 going all the way to a brand new Porsche 992 GTS Convertible and a likewise brand new Lotus Emira First Edition.
We were happy to say hello to quite a few returning Delightful Drivers as well as a lot of first timers.
In the evening we had a cheerful dinner at the Flam’s restaurant where a wide variety of Flammekueche, an Alsatian speciality, was served.
MONDAY
On Monday morning we headed off towards the roundabout that leads to the D902: Starting point of the Route des Grandes Alpes. Already on the first kilometers through the valley of the winding Dranse de Morzine all the drivers got an impression what was to follow on the next couple of days: Many, many curves placed in a beautiful landscape.
We had arranged our lunch stop at a restaurant that we remembered from the years before. They actually opened their doors for us, normally they are closed on a Monday.
The next stop was one of the highlights of the first day, our stop at the Lac de Roselend. The terrace above the dam is a beautiful spot to return to and enjoy the view of the lake. Of course to also take the obligatory group picture.
For the night we gathered at Tignes 2100 where we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere by the lake and then our dinner at the Niurou Steakhouse.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday we set off for a day of memorable mountain passes: First up the Col d’Iseran followed by the Col de Telegraphe, the Col du Galibier and finally the Col d’Izoard.
Driving the Col d’Iseran makes it difficult to decide what part is more spectacular: The road or the views. After the descent to the valley of river Arc with a wonderful flow of sweeping bends we stopped for coffee to prepare for the next passes. Half way up we stopped on the side of the road to have some lunch before we were going for the highlight of the day: The summit of the Col du Galibier. On the way down to the valley we were surprised to catch up with a foreign 40 ton semi truck and trailer that apparently also decided to drive the pass. Maybe a Delightful truck Driver, maybe navigation gone wrong.
After a short stop at the Refuge Napoleon just before the Col d’Izoard we followed the valley of river Guil to our stop for the night at Eygliers. At the fantastic dinner at the hotel, everyone was exchanging their impressions of the day and looking forward to what was in the books for the next day.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning opened with the Col de Vars which presents itself with an enjoyable combination of hairpins followed by a stretch of beautifully flowing curves. For a change we turned left at Jausiers this year to head for the Col de la Bonette. Just below the Col we used the opportunity to take another group picture in the fantastic scenery. We all decided to drive up the Col de la Bonette carefully, because we didn’t want to conflict with the 50 km/h speed limit or to upset hikers, bikers, motorcyclists or the wildlife. Not carefully enough though for the taste of a Park Ranger who stopped to give us a very angry lecture on how to drive in this environment. Well…. Driving a sports car turns you into a suspect immediately.
We followed river Tinee and then took the Route de la Vesubie, where a regional bus chauffeurand two small trucks with trailers, who were all happily cutting corners provided some near heart stopping moments for some of our drivers.
A quick lunch stop at La Colmiane later, we were heading for St Martin de Vesubie. The village that we have seen still intact on our discovery tour in 2020 and then struck terribly by a landslide in 2021 was apparently making good progress on its reconstruction and development.
The highlight of the day was getting closer: The Col de Turini with the obligatory visit of the Hotel Les Trois Vallees (which is for sale btw – in case you are looking for a business opportunity with very historic background).
Next up was our arrival at Menton and a visit to the beach where we had an opportunity to try out the tour gift: Delightful Driving beach towels.
Thursday
For Thursday the RdGA tour featured a novelty: A beach day which many used to visit Monaco and explore the sight on the Cote d’Azur. In the evening most of us we went out for a spontaneous group dinner.
Friday
Friday arrived all too quickly. We went north via Imperia and Passo Nava towards the Alba/Barolo region. At Ceva we stopped to say goodbye and started to make our way back home.
All in all the RdGA this year, featuring fewer but more intense days on the road plus a rest day on the beach was enjoyable. The driver’s feedback tells us that we managed to find a good formula for this trip.
Watch this space to see when the next edition of the RdGA will be on offer.
