First Big M Tour
- Thread starter Road Trip
- Start date
This was my Spot of the Day 
:bow:
Pagani Zonda F
I chased after it down Mirabeau to get thse pics
We then had a wander down to the Ferrari dealer to see if there was anything I fancied. Saw an S2000, my previous car.
Unfortunately they were closed
The Ferrari showroom is right next to the Honda dealer. Thats handy
Fantastic, you can get your Civic and you F40 servcied at the same time
Took a peep in the Ferrari workshop
MC12
Saw this white 599 as we were walking back to Casino Square
Kathryn had her eye on something. I knew I wasn't gonna get out of this town without her doing a bit of shopping. Well, she's worth it :heart:
There seemed like a never ending supply of supercars posing about around the square. I mean, look at this monkey cruising round like he owns the place
Oh, sorry. Thats me
The car was a 360 Spyder, manual. Had chance for a quick squirt in 2nd gear and a change up into 3rd, but that was about it. From the brief time I was in the car it seemed like it was not a car you could just jump in and drive well immediately. I would imagine quite a bit of time would be needed to get the best out of you, and the car; just the way I like it. The tunnel was closed due to roadworks, so I ended up driving uphill through the Loews hairpin section only to come to a standstill in a line of traffic at Mirabeau. Had to do 3 hill starts using the handbrake and was pretty pleased with myself for not stalling the beast. I was great to hear the clicking of the metal gearstick against the open gate as you made the changes. The accelerator did seem quite sensitive and only when I had finished the drive did I notice the "sport" light illuminated on the dash, and wondered if this was causing the slightly jerky drive; still, maybe it was just down to my incompetence :eek1: The instrumentation and general interior did seem quite dated, but I didn't care really, I was just concentrating on the driving experience; a Ferrari, in Monaco. As I drove along people were watching and staring, even taking pictures, just like I was earlier in the day, only this time I was driving. Fantastic
Had to laugh at this little old Accord alongside all the exotica
612
Looks like the Porsche ladies have called into the Hotel de Paris
How the hell did this Rover get in there? :yikes:
Time to chill out with a cocktail (I was on water
)
:bow:Pagani Zonda F
I chased after it down Mirabeau to get thse pics
We then had a wander down to the Ferrari dealer to see if there was anything I fancied. Saw an S2000, my previous car.
Unfortunately they were closed
The Ferrari showroom is right next to the Honda dealer. Thats handy
Fantastic, you can get your Civic and you F40 servcied at the same time
Took a peep in the Ferrari workshop
MC12
Saw this white 599 as we were walking back to Casino Square
Kathryn had her eye on something. I knew I wasn't gonna get out of this town without her doing a bit of shopping. Well, she's worth it :heart:
There seemed like a never ending supply of supercars posing about around the square. I mean, look at this monkey cruising round like he owns the place
Oh, sorry. Thats me
The car was a 360 Spyder, manual. Had chance for a quick squirt in 2nd gear and a change up into 3rd, but that was about it. From the brief time I was in the car it seemed like it was not a car you could just jump in and drive well immediately. I would imagine quite a bit of time would be needed to get the best out of you, and the car; just the way I like it. The tunnel was closed due to roadworks, so I ended up driving uphill through the Loews hairpin section only to come to a standstill in a line of traffic at Mirabeau. Had to do 3 hill starts using the handbrake and was pretty pleased with myself for not stalling the beast. I was great to hear the clicking of the metal gearstick against the open gate as you made the changes. The accelerator did seem quite sensitive and only when I had finished the drive did I notice the "sport" light illuminated on the dash, and wondered if this was causing the slightly jerky drive; still, maybe it was just down to my incompetence :eek1: The instrumentation and general interior did seem quite dated, but I didn't care really, I was just concentrating on the driving experience; a Ferrari, in Monaco. As I drove along people were watching and staring, even taking pictures, just like I was earlier in the day, only this time I was driving. Fantastic
Had to laugh at this little old Accord alongside all the exotica
612
Looks like the Porsche ladies have called into the Hotel de Paris
How the hell did this Rover get in there? :yikes:
Time to chill out with a cocktail (I was on water
)
Wow! 
Thanks again everyone, glad your still enjoying and keeping up
Day 8 - Cap Martin to Montgerevre (nr Briancon) - 185 miles
Heading inland for Sospel
Col de Turini
wasn't too impressed with the road surface.
Seemed to spend more time dodging pot holes than enjoying the drive.
The descent to the north was on a much better surface.
Fuel stop in St Martin Vesubie
Onward northwest
Day 8 - Cap Martin to Montgerevre (nr Briancon) - 185 miles
Heading inland for Sospel
Col de Turini
wasn't too impressed with the road surface.
Seemed to spend more time dodging pot holes than enjoying the drive.
The descent to the north was on a much better surface.
Fuel stop in St Martin Vesubie
Onward northwest
Getting cold and misty as we gain altitude
Ghost town
Heading into the clouds
We've made it.
Possibly the highest road in Europe. 2.5degC up here
Looking down - wow
Heading down
Then up again to the Col de Vars
Still pushing north to the Col d'Izoard
It was a shame about the weather but this place is really spectacular
Summit
Ohhh, it was cold and windy up here. My hands were shaking taking the pics. You can see the rain drops on the lens.
It was another 90mins to the hotel and we arrive at 7pm. We couldn't find it at first. Hadn't realised it was on a building site
Fortunately our hotel was finished, and it was superb, with excellent service
A well earned meal after a long day on the road
Day 9 - Montgenevre to Fenis, Italy - 189 miles
Not much to report today folks. Leaving France and crossing the border into Italy this morning taking the autostrada around Turin and north to the Aosta Valley.
Still struggling taking pics in the tunnels
We did take a detour into the mountains to Breuil-Cervinia to have a look at the Matterhorn, but weather was poor and we couldn't see a thing so drove on to the hotel and watched the Italian GP from Monza.
Sat nav took us straight to the hotel but the village, like all the other ski resorts we stayed at, or passed through, was pretty much deserted.
Castle at Fenis
The hotel wasn't very good either, a bit like an old folks home, and the restaurant was closed so we had to go searching for food. We drove into Aosta for a look around but had difficulty parking. We did find a carpark but couldn't work out how you got a ticket, so rather than leave the car and return to find it had been towed away, we didn't bother. Stopped at a pizza joint for dinner. It wasn't good but it was food and we were starving!
Castle from our room at night
Not much to report today folks. Leaving France and crossing the border into Italy this morning taking the autostrada around Turin and north to the Aosta Valley.
Still struggling taking pics in the tunnels
We did take a detour into the mountains to Breuil-Cervinia to have a look at the Matterhorn, but weather was poor and we couldn't see a thing so drove on to the hotel and watched the Italian GP from Monza.
Sat nav took us straight to the hotel but the village, like all the other ski resorts we stayed at, or passed through, was pretty much deserted.
Castle at Fenis
The hotel wasn't very good either, a bit like an old folks home, and the restaurant was closed so we had to go searching for food. We drove into Aosta for a look around but had difficulty parking. We did find a carpark but couldn't work out how you got a ticket, so rather than leave the car and return to find it had been towed away, we didn't bother. Stopped at a pizza joint for dinner. It wasn't good but it was food and we were starving!
Castle from our room at night
Day 10 - around the Aosta Valley 139 miles
Decided to take a drive to one of the many large dams in this area, usually a good drive and right out in the wilds.
Place Moulin Dam (click here for info), nearly 6500ft above sea level
Heading back down the valley
Spotted some Marmots
After a spot of lunch we headed for Courmayeur
At Courmayeur we found another ghost town. Fortunately the cable car at Le Palud was running and we managed to bag the last ride up to before they closed for the day.
Up we go.......
At the top
It was freezing
Amazing views from nearly 11,500ft
Mountain peaks reaching above the clouds
The Matterhorn (far left)
We would have liked to cross all the way into France and Chamonix but wouldn't have had time to get back before the cable car station closed.
Looking across to the Aiguille du Midi
Looking south
When we got back down into the valley I decided to give the M a well earned bath
Having struggled so much the night before we just headed for dinner at the Autogrill on the motorway services.
A toasted sandwich, a stale muffin and a coffee from a plastic cup. Ah well, it can't be Monaco every night can it
Decided to take a drive to one of the many large dams in this area, usually a good drive and right out in the wilds.
Place Moulin Dam (click here for info), nearly 6500ft above sea level
Heading back down the valley
Spotted some Marmots
After a spot of lunch we headed for Courmayeur
At Courmayeur we found another ghost town. Fortunately the cable car at Le Palud was running and we managed to bag the last ride up to before they closed for the day.
Up we go.......
At the top
It was freezing
Amazing views from nearly 11,500ft
Mountain peaks reaching above the clouds
The Matterhorn (far left)
We would have liked to cross all the way into France and Chamonix but wouldn't have had time to get back before the cable car station closed.
Looking across to the Aiguille du Midi
Looking south
When we got back down into the valley I decided to give the M a well earned bath
Having struggled so much the night before we just headed for dinner at the Autogrill on the motorway services.
A toasted sandwich, a stale muffin and a coffee from a plastic cup. Ah well, it can't be Monaco every night can it
I love the look of this trip!! When your done is there any chance of you giving a list of all the places and routes? I've been trying to get my mrs to do a trip like this and your pictures are helping!!!
Day 11 - Fenis to Mollens, Switzerland - 124 miles
Leaving Fenis today and heading north into Switzerland.
The old folks home was a hive of activity.........NOT! I think we were the only guests they had............no............really!
Never mind, we're soon on the road
Heading for the old St Bernardo Pass
Fantastic
But all too soon we are stopped in our tracks
It looks like the road has been bombed
Now we can enjoy the lovely new tarmac
but not for long
At least we can enjoy the scenery
but need to keep my eyes on the road
I wasn't gonna argue with a road roller. Breathe in :eek3:
It was worth it when we made it to the summit
Check out the ice on this little Civics tyres
Crossing the border into Switzerland
Ice
How to stop your wipers sticking to the screen
St Bernards
After thawing out with a coffee in the shop we're ready for the off again
It's all downhill from here
Heading north
Once on the autoroute we spot a nice 355
Leaving Fenis today and heading north into Switzerland.
The old folks home was a hive of activity.........NOT! I think we were the only guests they had............no............really!
Never mind, we're soon on the road
Heading for the old St Bernardo Pass
Fantastic
But all too soon we are stopped in our tracks
It looks like the road has been bombed
Now we can enjoy the lovely new tarmac
but not for long
At least we can enjoy the scenery
but need to keep my eyes on the road
I wasn't gonna argue with a road roller. Breathe in :eek3:
It was worth it when we made it to the summit
Check out the ice on this little Civics tyres
Crossing the border into Switzerland
Ice
How to stop your wipers sticking to the screen
St Bernards
After thawing out with a coffee in the shop we're ready for the off again
It's all downhill from here
Heading north
Once on the autoroute we spot a nice 355
Day 12 - The Glaciers - 141 miles
Drove east along the Rhone Valley to have a look at the glaciers in this area.
Cool old tour bus in the carpark at the cable car station
Up we go in the massive cable car; capacity 47 people!
First stop at just over 2000m
The next car takes us to nearly 3000m
This is what we're here to see, the Aletsch Glacier, at over 14 miles in length being the longest in the Alps
Looking south
The Matterhorn 4478m (left) and Weisshorn 4505m (right). You can see some walkers on the ridge in the foreground on the left
Mont Blanc (centre, in the distance) 4810m
After lunch on the mountain we head back down to the valley below. As we were so close it would be rude not to check out a couple of local road passes
Off we go!
Grimselpass Assent (Furka Pass in the distance)
It's great up here
We pulled over at the top of the pass to take some pictures.
Summit 2165m
As I was getting back into the car I noticed something interesting approaching.
It was a 599, a rare car indeed.
As it got closer I noticed it was on British plates.
Oh my god, he's parking up next to us :eek3: !
I couldn't get out of the car fast enough, I had to get some pics and hopefully have a talk to the driver .
It turns out he had had the car only two days after just collecting it from the factory, and was driving it back home to Scotland. They really were a nice couple of gents. I asked if it was ok to take a pic of the interior. "No problem" they said, "you take some pictures and we'll have a look at your car and a chat with your wife".
The car wasn't my choice of colour the shields were missing, but the carbon trim on the interior was fantastic, and he had ticked the box for the optional carbon/ceramic brakes. He said it was his first Ferrari after owning several Maseratis'. Wow, what an introduction!
It was great to meet a couple of fellow car enthusiasts who, although they were playing in a different league to me, still shared the same passion for a wonderful car, spectacular scenery and some of Europe's best driving roads. He too seemed pleased to have met someone so positive and enthusiastic about his new purchase, instead of the jealous sneers he has no doubt received in the past.
As they got back into the car I said to them that I would just stand back and enjoy listening to the departure; I wasn't disappointed! :bow: :heart:
After we'd calmed down we had a quick look at the descent on the north side before heading back the way we came
Retracing our route back down gives fantastic views of the Furka Pass and Rhone Glacier; our next 2 destinations.
I did a bit of climbing to get the pic Them Marmots have nothing on me
Turned out ok tho
Taking it all in
Heaven
Onward
Furka Pass
The Rhone Glacier, source of the Rhone River
Ice Cave
Heading back down the Furka
Heading home along the banks of the Rhone
Someone has made a mess - 430 Spider
Driving along with the roof down as the sun sets over the mountains we reflect on a wonderful day.
Experiences like this are what road trips are all about, great weather, spectacular scenery, perfect driving roads, 2 glaciers, and meeting a bloke who had just picked up a Ferrari 599 from the factory in Maranello; the stuff dreams are made of.
We'll sleep well tonight.
Drove east along the Rhone Valley to have a look at the glaciers in this area.
Cool old tour bus in the carpark at the cable car station
Up we go in the massive cable car; capacity 47 people!
First stop at just over 2000m
The next car takes us to nearly 3000m
This is what we're here to see, the Aletsch Glacier, at over 14 miles in length being the longest in the Alps
Looking south
The Matterhorn 4478m (left) and Weisshorn 4505m (right). You can see some walkers on the ridge in the foreground on the left
Mont Blanc (centre, in the distance) 4810m
After lunch on the mountain we head back down to the valley below. As we were so close it would be rude not to check out a couple of local road passes
Off we go!
Grimselpass Assent (Furka Pass in the distance)
It's great up here
We pulled over at the top of the pass to take some pictures.
Summit 2165m
As I was getting back into the car I noticed something interesting approaching.
It was a 599, a rare car indeed.
As it got closer I noticed it was on British plates.
Oh my god, he's parking up next to us :eek3: !
I couldn't get out of the car fast enough, I had to get some pics and hopefully have a talk to the driver
.It turns out he had had the car only two days after just collecting it from the factory, and was driving it back home to Scotland. They really were a nice couple of gents. I asked if it was ok to take a pic of the interior. "No problem" they said, "you take some pictures and we'll have a look at your car and a chat with your wife".
The car wasn't my choice of colour the shields were missing, but the carbon trim on the interior was fantastic, and he had ticked the box for the optional carbon/ceramic brakes. He said it was his first Ferrari after owning several Maseratis'. Wow, what an introduction!
It was great to meet a couple of fellow car enthusiasts who, although they were playing in a different league to me, still shared the same passion for a wonderful car, spectacular scenery and some of Europe's best driving roads. He too seemed pleased to have met someone so positive and enthusiastic about his new purchase, instead of the jealous sneers he has no doubt received in the past.
As they got back into the car I said to them that I would just stand back and enjoy listening to the departure; I wasn't disappointed! :bow: :heart:
After we'd calmed down we had a quick look at the descent on the north side before heading back the way we came
Retracing our route back down gives fantastic views of the Furka Pass and Rhone Glacier; our next 2 destinations
. I did a bit of climbing to get the pic
Them Marmots have nothing on me Turned out ok tho
Taking it all in
Heaven
Onward
Furka Pass
The Rhone Glacier, source of the Rhone River
Ice Cave
Heading back down the Furka
Heading home along the banks of the Rhone
Someone has made a mess - 430 Spider
Driving along with the roof down as the sun sets over the mountains we reflect on a wonderful day.
Experiences like this are what road trips are all about, great weather, spectacular scenery, perfect driving roads, 2 glaciers, and meeting a bloke who had just picked up a Ferrari 599 from the factory in Maranello; the stuff dreams are made of.
We'll sleep well tonight.
Day 13 - Mollens (Switzerland) to Annecy (France) via Italy - 196 miles
I had planned for us to return on the St Bernardo Pass, but having found it in such poor condition a few days ago I changed the first part of our route and headed for Chamonix
By Alpine standards the passes aren't particularly high at approx 1500m
But the mountains are
Mont Blanc
Had a stroll around the shops and a bite of lunch in Chamonix, then headed for the Mont Blanc Tunnel
Exiting the tunnel in Courmayeur, Italy
We had enjoyed this road on a trip a couple of years ago so thought it was worth another visit - Little St Bernardo Pass
I had a couple of "local mentalist" drivers following me for serveral miles up the pass, both eager to pass where there really was no room to. It is difficult overtaking slower cars on some of the narrower passes, me being on the wrong side of the car for good visibility to make the overtake, and not knowing the road. The locals, although in slower cars, have better visibility, knowledge of the road, and seem oblivious to the dangers.
Fortunately one of them turned off at a village, by which time I'd had enough of them both and pulled over to let the Alfa GT DIESEL, past. Now it was my turn to use him as a guide up the road.
It was fantastic. He took most of the hairpin bends on 3 wheels.
He'd then make a dodgy overtake and leave me stuck behind a slower car.
Once I was past I was off to reel him in. Great fun
We pulled over at the top of the pass for some fresh air and a brew
- 196 milesI had planned for us to return on the St Bernardo Pass, but having found it in such poor condition a few days ago I changed the first part of our route and headed for Chamonix
By Alpine standards the passes aren't particularly high at approx 1500m
But the mountains are
Mont Blanc
Had a stroll around the shops and a bite of lunch in Chamonix, then headed for the Mont Blanc Tunnel
Exiting the tunnel in Courmayeur, Italy
We had enjoyed this road on a trip a couple of years ago so thought it was worth another visit - Little St Bernardo Pass
I had a couple of "local mentalist" drivers following me for serveral miles up the pass, both eager to pass where there really was no room to. It is difficult overtaking slower cars on some of the narrower passes, me being on the wrong side of the car for good visibility to make the overtake, and not knowing the road. The locals, although in slower cars, have better visibility, knowledge of the road, and seem oblivious to the dangers.
Fortunately one of them turned off at a village, by which time I'd had enough of them both and pulled over to let the Alfa GT DIESEL, past. Now it was my turn to use him as a guide up the road.
It was fantastic. He took most of the hairpin bends on 3 wheels.
He'd then make a dodgy overtake and leave me stuck behind a slower car.
Once I was past I was off to reel him in. Great fun
We pulled over at the top of the pass for some fresh air and a brew