On the final French leg this trip from Vézelay to Annecy, we made two stops along the way on Saturday.
First was Château de Digoine, an authentic example of architecture and landscapes from the 18th century.
Second was the small town of Paray-le-Monial in Burgundy, where we stayed the night at Hostellerie des Trois Pigeons.
Such was the hospitality of hotelier Marie-France, that we ended up having dinner there, and what a culinary experience it was.
The amuse-bouches including gougères, were a taste of the region.
As Paray-le-Monial is home to the Charolais breed of cattle, the côte de bœuf et sauce vin rouge or rib eye steak and red wine sauce, was a must-have for main course.
The best was saved until last with a visual presentation of the entire dessert menu, and a choice of three.
On arrival at Annecy yesterday, we checked into ibis in the heart of the Vieille Ville or old town.
We knew that this alpine destination is picturesque with pastel buildings and a lake meeting a river though winding canals, however did not realise the extent until we sauntered through the cobbled streets.
Not to mention the people-watching while indulging in a baguette from Le Boulanger du Faubourg.
Jerrie: I am taking a break from cheese.
Nigel: Is that blue in your baguette?
Jerrie: A little.
Or the postcard shot where the only thing amiss was a bike against the balustrade.
All the stars were aligned when we had dinner at Lyonnaise restaurant Le Bouchon Eric.
For one, we had the pleasure of meeting Pauline, a fellow legally trained professional and gastronome who knows her coffee and lived in Australia to boot.
Amuse-bouche was Cacahuètes Lyonnaise or bite sized pieces of grilled duck fat to accompany a drink.
Main course was poisson du jour or fish of the day.
Dessert was Crème Brûlée.
Hostellerie des Trois Pigeons
2 Rue Dargaud
71600 Paray-le-Monial
Burgundy
France
+33 3 85 81 03 77
h-3-p.com
ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
12 Rue de la Gare
74000 Annecy
France
+33 4 50 45 43 21
@ibisannecycentre
Le Boulanger du Faubourg
11 Fbg Sainte-Claire
74000 Annecy
France
+33 4 50 45 01 22
leboulangerdufaubourg.fr
@leboulangerdufaubourg
Le Bouchon Eric
1 Pass. Golliardi
74000 Annecy
France
+33 4 50 02 77 13
bouchon-eric.com
@lebouchoneric
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