#LTfriendsgiving // an alpine roadtrip with auto europe

Depending on where you live, you might be dealing with the same (disappointing) unseasonably warm weather. It’s definitely what we’re each facing in Philadelphia and London this holiday season, and it is BLEH. But while it looks like a white Christmas will take place only in our dreams this year, we can’t complain. We had a quick preview of a real winter wonderland during our alpine roadtrip for #LTfriendsgiving, and it was everything we wanted and more.

We have lots to share from our long weekend in the French Alps, but we thought we’d start at the very beginning: with our snowy Auto Europe car trip through the winding mountain roads that took us from Geneva to Val d’Isère.

First step: choosing the perfect car rental for our adventure. Knowing we’d likely face slippery conditions and narrow, winding roads, we felt strongly about having a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Getting safely to Val d’Isère was of the utmost importance, because otherwise, who would eat all the cheese? And drink all the wine?! We also came with luggage for four, all the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and various ski equipment. A spacious SUV was a must.

Plus, doesn’t she look gorge on the open Alpine roads?!:

spacious & safe  & the hubs behind the wheel? check, check & check

We’ve had our share of headaches with car rentals in the past, but we have to say, our pick-up process with Auto Europe was seamless. We rolled off the plane in Geneva and high-tailed it to the Hertz desk. After a short wait for a shuttle to take us to the garage, we were off to Annecy for lunch in our four-wheel drive SUV.

[photo via instagram // @lazytravelers]

The short 35-minute drive from Geneva to Annecy passed in a flash, with the four of us catching up and planning for our holiday weekend ahead. We parked our SUV near the Vieille Ville neighborhood. We had plans to walk around the city and grab a bite to eat, but we didn’t account for the near-frigid temperatures. After snapping  a few photos, we decided it was time to track down a cozy restaurant.

When we arrived, it was that European sweet spot when restaurants just start to wrap up lunch, so our food options were looking dire… until we stumbled upon Chez Mamie Lise. There was a brief concern that it would be a bit touristy, but, along with two more weekend travel-mates, Amy and Patrick, we ended up nestled into our own little corner of the upstairs. We happily ate all the fondue our server would allow.

With our bellies full of French cheese, we departed Annecy for Val d’Isère, making a quick pitstop at the grocery store for the weekend’s essentials (read: wine, bread & cheese). Then, we settled in for our 2-hour drive through the French Alps. They had just received a fresh coat of snow in the days before our arrival.

We left the driving up the hubs, because lazy. But not before getting our photo looking cute in the front seat. It’s all about our image, ya know?

While the wino and her husband took turns napping in the roomy backseat, the romantic snapped pics of our beautiful surroundings. The hubs, meanwhile, expertly navigated the alpine roads. He did have to stop once to ask directions from two French women and a pack of barking St. Bernard’s. We’re only a little sorry for pointing and laughing at you from the warm car.

A few hours later, and we were at the door of our perfectly perfect French chalet.

We’ve taken our fair share of planes, trains, and automobiles… and buses and taxis and ferries and river boats. But we have to say: picking up a car straight from the airport and having the freedom of taking our time, driving at our own pace? Well, it felt downright luxurious. It truly set the tone for an extremely laid-back weekend.

Merci beaucoup, Auto Europe!

xo!

the romantic & the wino

– Our rental car was sponsored by Auto Europe. All opinions are, as always, our own.