|
  | |  |
From the Swiss to the French Alps
Entry 22 of 91 | show all | print this entry |
|
Leaving Verbier behind me, l caught the train early on a Sunday morning from La Chable to Martingy. At Martingy l boarded the spectacular St Bernard Express which took me from the Swiss Alps high up into the French Alps and to the famous French ski resort and playground of the rich and famous- Chamonix.
Chamonix is the third most visited natural site in the world. More than 40 nationalities rub shoulders here throughout the year, overcome by the splendor of the site and the endless play area that the Mont-Blanc range offers to fans of all types of snow and mountain sports. So naturally l had to take a peep! Arriving to a foggy day, l spent the morning wandering around the village, down the lovely river flowing through the middle of the town and eating my Chocolate pain by the main fountain. The town was alot larger than Verbier and kept me entertained for a couple of hours with its numerous shops. But the main reason l had wanted to come to Chamonix was to view Mont Blanc and finally it started by midday to emerge from the clouds it had been hiding behind.
As the sun started to beckon me to this majestic peak l bordered my third train, however, this time it was on one of Frances last rack-rail trains which has been in operation since 1908. Setting of from Chamonix, the Montenvers reached the foot of the Mer de Glace (Sea of ice), Europe's largest living glacier in 20 minutes. It was an amazing ride, and all of a sudden l felt like l could literally touch Mt Blanc it was so close! Once getting off the train l wandered around the numerous attractions offered at the Montervers site, including walking through and learning about the history of Crystal manufactures at the crystal gallery, the alpine fauna museum (didn't like it...there were too many poor little studded animals) and then the lovely ice grotto, which l had to reach gondola and about 200 steps. It was worth it though, as l walked through this ice grotto carved out in the inner of the glacier l began to discover the magical world of the Mer de Glace and discover how mountain folk lived at the beginning of the XIXth century. But even more interesting was sitting in a giant ice chair and watching the neon lights change the ice to different colours.
After about two hours up the top of the Montenvers, and sitting and eating my Vegemite sandwich under the shadow of Mt Blanc, l returned on the track train back to Chamonix village and spent the remainder of the afternoon sitting by the river and numerous fountains around the old town in the sun reading my book before returning on the train back to Lausanne. In short....my day in Chamonix was a perfect mix of stunning Alpine scenery and relaxation! More thumbnails ...
|
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries from France or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
12 votes 
