The scenery was fantastic and we made Sallanches in time to enquire at L'Office du Tourisme for a decent hotel that was not too expensive. The young girl had very little English and was adamant that there were no rooms available in any of the hotels. Our enquiry was hampered by a French man who could speak English and who was offering us rooms in some hotel that he knew. The queue was building up behind us so I asked the girl to deal with them while I perused the accommodation brochure. Finally it was our turn again and a more senior assistant had returned and suggested she try Auberge de l'Orangerie which was slightly out of town but had a restaurant. It was slightly more expensive than we had intended to pay but rather a bed in a dearer hotel than a night in the car! We accepted the deal and found our hotel which was like a motel with chalets. The Madame was extremely friendly and her daughter showed us to our room which opened onto the "garden" - more a field but the surrounding scene was spectacular. We were facing Mont Blanc but could not see the top because of the clouds. We could, however, see the snow.
On our way to Sallanches we had seen the glaciers and ski slopes and lifts etc. It would be sheer heaven for skiers but was sheer heaven for us more earth bound with upcast eyes.
Having had a quick rest we set off to explore Sallanches and enjoy the various mountainous views.
We failed to discover a restaurant that we fancied so returned to L'Orangerie to partake of its fare. Because we were in an Alpine region, we decided to have a fondue because it was unlikely we would be in this area again. It was preced by a trio of hors d'oeuvres (not mentioned on the menu). There was a fish soup, a cornet of crispy ham with a puree of pork inside and a little glass of tomato concasse topped with a frothy creamy confection. It was absolutely delicious. The fondue was accompanied by Charlotte potatoes, bread chunks, various fruits, and a selection of charcuterie. It was really good (if rather calorific but then I usually complain about that after the damage is done!). We had a bottle of really good Cotes du Rhone for 22 euro which I thought wasn't bad value. After a good night's sleep we got up to possibly the best breakfast I have had when en route. There was fresh orange juice which we juiced ourselves from real oranges, fresh fruit salad and fromage blanc or yogurt, a selection of cheeses and hams, breads, apricot compote, croissants and sweets cakes. I did not overindulge but appreciated having a selection of good quality bits and pieces. When we were ready to go we went into the main building and Madame was there to receive our cash and enthuse sabout our trip to Italy. I really wanted to stay on it was so nice. As we exited the car park, Madame was there to wave us off. A real lesson in hospitality!
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