The French Alps in Summer…

It’s been a while since I posted on my blog and I’ve been missing it.  After a busy time lately, I’m spending a few days in the French Alps.  I LOVE the French Alps in summer almost dare I say it more than in winter.  The landscape, the mountains standing majestic adorned in green, the beauty, the flowers, trees and wildlife are just breathtaking – there is a 360 panorama of the most spectacular views to feast your eyes upon and if like me a photographer; to capture and keep in images.

So I thought I’d share the last few days of eating, walking and cycling around the area.  Les Gets always a favourite, is where I’ve been spending most time and here are a few images of this beautiful area in summer.

The food in this region in summer competes well with the winter staples that we all know and love. I prefer to go for the lighter dishes on the menus of these wonderful Savoyard restaurants, although all the old favourites like tartiflette and fondue are still available.

At Le Tourbillon in Les Gets I enjoyed their speciality maison – the hot smoked Salmon (mi-fume) served on a bed of lentils is a tasty delight.  They have a new summer menu including some interesting fusion dishes like Fera – a white fish fresh from Lac Leman cooked with a Thai influence.

Then on for lunch at a relatively new restaurant La Chamade in Morzine with a known and published chef Thierry Thorens who really pushes the flavours and comes up with some interesting and tasty dishes that are all presented elegantly using many fresh herbs and local produce.

Dinner was rather decadently taken at an old favourite Les Copeaux back in Les Gets where I was presented with the amazing salade d’ete! (summer salad). A great selection of freshly cooked salads using the finest ingredients.  They have a new head chef in their kitchens and it’s great to see some innovative dishes, although reassuring to enjoy the same good service.

The following sunny day in Les Gets I lunched at another favourite La Pela.  Greeted with the normal friendly welcome, I started with their house apero – a kir maison – sparkling framboise flavoured Savoie wine and a floating raspberry on top. Continuing with my light summer salad theme I ordered the Salade Berger, this included a warm goats cheese parcel, reblochon melted on french bread toasts with jambon de Savoie – ok so it is a summer salad but maybe I use the word ‘light’ a little loosely!

This was followed by the absolutely not to be missed café gourmand! I make no apologies here – this is not light but is a must have when visiting La Pela.  Their home-made desserts are presented beautifully in small taster portions alongside a coffee – what a way to end a fabulous Sunday lunch with friends.

There will be a follow-up post to this gastro summer tour of the French Alps in summer with more great discoveries in this beautiful region of France – French Alps in Summer Part 2

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All Photographs are copyright © Caro Blackwell