Postcards to Rick Steves |
MOUNTAINS IN THE DISTANCE
The anticipation builds. Today is the day, the arrival in Chamonix, which would prove to be my favorite stop of the tour!
The drive went by fast. Daniela encouraged us to have our cameras ready; being up high in a big bus with big windows exposed us to the panorama of nature around us: villages, rivers, marvelous bridges, and the ever approaching Alps that never left the skyline. |
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BACKGROUND
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Nestled in the French Alps near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix has attracted visitors, ski-enthusiasts, and nature lovers for years. While it became prominent as the site of the very first winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix's claim to fame is the 15,771-foot Mont Blanc, the highest point in Europe.
There are no major sights in Chamonix. Simply appreciate the nature in all its glorious, scenic beauty. There are several ways to enjoy it. Several gondolas and lifts take you up various peaks, from which you can hike, paraglide, or appreciate the sights. Hikes and trails are in abundance in the area. Depending on the season, river rafting and skiing are options. And simply enjoy the art of people-watching; strolling past cute shops and wood chalets colored with geraniums; and enjoying a drink amongst the mountains that surround you. Whether you're putting your camera to good use or simply looking up and catching yourself saying "wow!" too many times, Chamonix makes you appreciate how magnificent Earth is. You feel small amongst these peaks, and in the Alps, Nature creates its own weather. The experience, no matter what happens, is powerful and life-changing. |
BEST HOTEL EVER
We arrive a little after noon to our home for two nights, the Hotel de l'Arve! This chalet-style inn is just a few minutes walk away from the center of town, but its beauty is in its location: right on the river! Most of the rooms feature balconies you can step out and sit on and appreciate the view, whether it is the rushing Arve or the mountains around you. My room has views of both! When the weather is nice, paragliders sail above you!
While I could sit on this balcony forever, there are other worthy amenities at this inn: a sauna, fitness center, rock climbing wall, comfortable lounge with a bar and fire-place seating, a fun room with billiards and other games, and an outdoor terrace right along the river. If you like shopping, there is a promenade along the back of the hotel with shops and restaurants, while the promenade right across the river will take you into nearby villages if you stroll long enough. We'll enjoy our hotel later. Right now, the forecast tells us there is only a few hours of sunlight left before the rain kicks in! So we take a quick orientation walk through town en route to the Aiguille du Midi, which will whisk us up 12,600 feet to commanding views of Mont Blanc! |
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AIGUILLE DU MIDI
Talk about a tour "WOW!" moment! We rush to the Aiguille du Midi station; the weather is in our favor (sunny and mid-70's on the ground, though a bit cloudy on top) and apparently, the crowds are too, as we hop on the gondola with hardly a wait! The ascent up (quite a thrill!) comes in two phases: first, to the Plan de l'Aiguille at 7,572 feet (scenic views, a cafe), and then to the summit at 12,605 feet! The town disappears below you and you come face to face with the mighty crags! The air is very thin up here, and while it is sunny, it is cold... there are even flurries of snow! Take it easy, enjoy the views, but pay attention to your body.
From here, you have a few options. The lucky kids enjoying their field trip pretend to summon a taxi in Chamonix below! Enjoy a light meal or drink in the cafe. Take an elevator even higher to the rock needle for more sweeaping views. Explore the outdoor decks, and if the weather is clear enough, orientation posters help you identify the peaks in the distance... even the Matterhorn! Hike back down if you're brave. Use the telescopes to spy the mountain climbers, tiny dots crawling up the glistening, snowy mountain. Peek in the ice tunnel, where skiers and climbers begin and end their journeys. Or take a ride across the mountains in your own little gondola to Hellbronner Point in Italy (see the Tips & Discoveries page for more about this)!
One could write endlessly about Mont Blanc and its history, statistics, and exploration options. One could also write endlessly about the emotions the Alps evoke in them. I will say that this ascent was life-changing and a must-see! I also believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, so as you browse through, see what emotions it evokes in you... and book your tour! ;)
From here, you have a few options. The lucky kids enjoying their field trip pretend to summon a taxi in Chamonix below! Enjoy a light meal or drink in the cafe. Take an elevator even higher to the rock needle for more sweeaping views. Explore the outdoor decks, and if the weather is clear enough, orientation posters help you identify the peaks in the distance... even the Matterhorn! Hike back down if you're brave. Use the telescopes to spy the mountain climbers, tiny dots crawling up the glistening, snowy mountain. Peek in the ice tunnel, where skiers and climbers begin and end their journeys. Or take a ride across the mountains in your own little gondola to Hellbronner Point in Italy (see the Tips & Discoveries page for more about this)!
One could write endlessly about Mont Blanc and its history, statistics, and exploration options. One could also write endlessly about the emotions the Alps evoke in them. I will say that this ascent was life-changing and a must-see! I also believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, so as you browse through, see what emotions it evokes in you... and book your tour! ;)
Other than the orientation walk and fondue dinner together (visit the Food section), there are no group activities in Chamonix. Our second day is a free day to make your own discoveries. You can read about mine in the Tips & Discoveries page. Our group agreed a third night in Chamonix would have been great, especially since you base your plans around the weather. But nonetheless... I'll be back.