Savoy. Enshrined in the French Alps, a bit wild and remote, it is a land with an old noble heritage. Every time I visit, summer or winter, I can’t help thinking about only one thing: it’s cold.

Granite and stone predominate. Gray and blue colors, and the deep green of the mountain pines on background. Even the brightly painted houses of Briançon and Grenoble can mitigate but a little the impression of a cold, severe weather that permeates everything. Huge, abandoned fortresses watch like mute guardians the quiet life of a countryside now in peace.

After walking up and down, and still craving for more time to explore the National Parks of the area (next trip…), the comfort of the Raclette and a good glass of French wine is the perfect way to warm up, out of the cold, empty streets of the town.