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.

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.