We arrived in Chamonix yesterday after a very smooth flight from Montreal and a painless transfer with Mountain Drop Off. I had forgotten how beautiful Chamonix was [last here10 years ago] Chamomix is the major centre for mountain climbing and hiking in the French Alps and is always crowded with climbers/hikers from all over the world. Its central pedestrian walkway is quite extensive and is lined with boutiques and indoor/outdoor restaurants. As soon as we arrived we headed out to the Saturday morning market to pick up local cheese, fresh fruit and salad and, of course, a couple of bottles of wine!
After the market we stopped at a lovely outdoor restaurant for lunch and then walked around the town for several hours. Later we had a delicious picnic supper on my balcony overlooking the raging River Arve. Next we went back out into the town to enjoy the local Jazz Festival.
Chamonix is amazing because it is nesttled in the valley at the foot of Mount Blanc, surrounded by the amazing needle sharp aiguilles that dot the skyline whichever way you look. Dozens of parasailors were floating high above the mountains, making an amazing spectical against the deep blue sky.
Today, Sunday, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then walked around Chamonix again. We went to check out the teleferique to the Aguille du Midi [12000ft] but decided not to take it since it is v. expensive and I have been up several times before. Ginette and Thomas will take it after our hike as they are staying in Chamonix an extra day.
Now we are in Les Houches, waiting to start our first hike to Les Contamines tomorrow.
I will try to post photos with my next blog.
What a wonderful start to your hike. Chamonix sounds beautiful. I am sure that you will enjoy food on this hike; the cheeses alone! We had a 44 km bike ride today, but nothing as scenic as Chamonix... Looking forward to see your photos and here about next day. V.
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