100th Tour de France
This afternoon at the Chateau of Versailles, the one hundred and seventy riders of the 100th Tour de France began their final leg. Thomas and I took advantage of this sunny (albeit hot) afternoon to find a spot on the route between Versailles and the finish at the Arc de Triomphe. Fearful of the lack of parking and road blocks to the venue because of the race, we decided to take public transportation to Versailles. So instead of being a 20 minute drive, it was an hour trek from our home in Garches to the Chateau. The race was supposedly to begin at 16h00, so we found ourselves a good view location a half mile from the start at 15h30. At 16h15, a friend at the starting line texted us that the riders were just getting off the bus. After another hour, the yellow jersey finally appeared. It was exhilarating. It was exciting. And a minute later, it was a mere memory. Despite the fleeting nature of the moment, it was worth it though. We were two feet from the winner. It was amazing how accessible the tour is. Tickets for the French Open, France's famous tennis tournament, are near impossible to get. But if you want to see a part of the Tour de France, you only need to find a spot along the route. Today was a good France day.
Fresh air
I am not a city girl. Give me fresh air, outdoor living, and scenic views. This vacation has reminded me how much I favor nature over urban landscapes. For the past week, we've spent most of our time outdoors- we eat outside; we walk to town; we go on hikes. I take deep breaths hoping to keep some of the fresh air with me when we return to Paris.
Thomas had to do some convincing to get me to take a holiday in July. I still have the US mentality of all work and no play. I am glad that I gave in. Chamonix, France, located in South Eastern France close to the border of Italy and Switzerland, is a wonderous place. The towering peaks that cradle the valley are mesmerizing. The glaciers that are nestled in the wedges created by the mountains can been seen from every corner of town. A thirty minute walk in any direction will get you to a trail head. There is only one butcher in town, but the restaurants are good and not terribly expensive or crowded. Things might be different during the ski season, since this is one of France's oldest ski resorts. I can tell you that the summers are a perfect getaway for those of us who find cities too crowded. Chamonix is proof that France does have space. It's just not in Paris.
The dining area.
Mer de glace. France's longest glacier (4.3 miles/7 km long).
On the hiking trail "Rendez-vous avec le mer de glace" (Date with the glacier "mer de glace" ). Perfect name since the glacier is constantly in view as you hike the trail.
Thomas had to do some convincing to get me to take a holiday in July. I still have the US mentality of all work and no play. I am glad that I gave in. Chamonix, France, located in South Eastern France close to the border of Italy and Switzerland, is a wonderous place. The towering peaks that cradle the valley are mesmerizing. The glaciers that are nestled in the wedges created by the mountains can been seen from every corner of town. A thirty minute walk in any direction will get you to a trail head. There is only one butcher in town, but the restaurants are good and not terribly expensive or crowded. Things might be different during the ski season, since this is one of France's oldest ski resorts. I can tell you that the summers are a perfect getaway for those of us who find cities too crowded. Chamonix is proof that France does have space. It's just not in Paris.
The dining area.
Mer de glace. France's longest glacier (4.3 miles/7 km long).
On the hiking trail "Rendez-vous avec le mer de glace" (Date with the glacier "mer de glace" ). Perfect name since the glacier is constantly in view as you hike the trail.
Mont Blanc
We are at Chamonix on our first European vacation. Thomas is attempting to climb Mt Blanc (his second of the seven summits). I'm along for the ride. To make sure I'm not spending the days while he is on his mountaineering trip alone, we invited another family. Thomas found a beautiful Chalet at the base of the mountain. When we are not out enjoying Chamonix, we are on the terrace mesmerized by the Midi de Aguille and Mount Blanc (peaks on this mountain range). We watch the clouds roll in. We watch the gondola climb up the mountain. Life is not bad at the moment.
Sunday, Thomas and I took the gondola up to the top of Aiguille du Midi. It's where mere mortals like me make it to the top of a mountain. It is also where Thomas will start his trips up to Mount Blanc.
Words cannot accurately express the magnificence of Europe's highest mountain. I won't even try, but will let the photos speak for themselves.
View from the side porch of the chalet.
Aiguille du Midi from the house.
On Aiguille du Midi. Watching climbers make their way down the ridge.
View from Aiguille du Midi.
Thomas preparing for his own expedition.
Sunset view.
River of snow melt on our easy 15km hike today.
Sunday, Thomas and I took the gondola up to the top of Aiguille du Midi. It's where mere mortals like me make it to the top of a mountain. It is also where Thomas will start his trips up to Mount Blanc.
Words cannot accurately express the magnificence of Europe's highest mountain. I won't even try, but will let the photos speak for themselves.
View from the side porch of the chalet.
On Aiguille du Midi. Watching climbers make their way down the ridge.
View from Aiguille du Midi.
Thomas preparing for his own expedition.
Sunset view.
River of snow melt on our easy 15km hike today.
Fêtes de l'été (summer parties)
It seems with the start of the summer solstice the French look for any excuse to have outdoor music in their parks. Thankfully the weather has finally started to cooperate to make that possible. Last week Thomas and I had a chance to attend two outdoor parties. One was for work which featured three bands, catered food, and a nonstop wine bar. This party was high class with folks dressed like what you would imagine in the European place (designer clothes and fashionable shoes). The set was over the top. There were mini cheeseburgers, pasta bars, a candy table for the kids and an ice cream stand. The highlight of the evening for me was the twenty piece swing band. One of the better evenings this summer - drink in hand, Thomas by my side, and hanging out on the steps of a chateau listening to big band music in France.
The other party was a town festival celebrating Saint John the Baptist. Apparently, all over Europe (and Quebec) people celebrate Saint John on the solstice by building a bonfire on hilltops. The town party didn't seem to have any religious connotations, but there was a big bonfire at the end, as well as outdoor music and fire works. I've been searching for that small town feel, which is a bit hard when you town has 16,000 inhabitants. The fete helped. It was organized in a small park. Families and other Garchoises attended. We met a neighbor and watched some musicians from the local music conservatory. The night ended with an impressive firework display. Thomas and I left at this point. We did not wait for the pile of wooden crates to be set alight.
Parks in France are spectacular displays of topiary artistry. Add good weather, outdoor music, a loved one or two, and delectable dishes, and you transcend into a space of sensory eudaimonia.
work party. big band music.
There are times when I can't believe I work someplace that has this as part of its head quarters (don't work in this building though)
Fire works display.
The other party was a town festival celebrating Saint John the Baptist. Apparently, all over Europe (and Quebec) people celebrate Saint John on the solstice by building a bonfire on hilltops. The town party didn't seem to have any religious connotations, but there was a big bonfire at the end, as well as outdoor music and fire works. I've been searching for that small town feel, which is a bit hard when you town has 16,000 inhabitants. The fete helped. It was organized in a small park. Families and other Garchoises attended. We met a neighbor and watched some musicians from the local music conservatory. The night ended with an impressive firework display. Thomas and I left at this point. We did not wait for the pile of wooden crates to be set alight.
Parks in France are spectacular displays of topiary artistry. Add good weather, outdoor music, a loved one or two, and delectable dishes, and you transcend into a space of sensory eudaimonia.
There are times when I can't believe I work someplace that has this as part of its head quarters (don't work in this building though)