Carly Kovacik and myself took the Mountain Drop Off transfer service from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix, which I highly recommend utilizing, especially if you are doing the Tour du Mont Blanc. After getting our drop-off, we checked into an amazing Airbnb that overlooked the center of town as well as Mont Blanc towering above town.
During our time in Chamonix, we spared no expense when it came to fine dining, enjoying an Italian meal at Casa Valerio, French cuisine at Le Serac, more French at La Moraine, and fine outdoor dinning at Le Carrousel. My attempt at speaking the French language was a constant embarrassment, and locals let me know just how bad it was on several occasions. But that's okay, it was part of the experience, and I'm sure everyone in Chamonix is used to it by now.
Otherwise, trekking and exploring the surrounding mountains was our primary objective. Day 1 in the French Alps featured a gondola ride up the Les Flegere in Les Praz. From the terminus of the gondola we hiked up to Lac Blanc, which is likely one of the most photographed alpine likes in the world. We also acquired the bonus lake Lac de la Perseverance. We then hustled back down to the gondola in order to avoid approaching storms. The second day of Alps adventuring included a train ride up to Mer de Glace, which is a glacier that is rapidly disappearing...only hints of its former glory were visible from the visitor center. We then hiked the Grand Balcon Nord. The scenery was classic Alps, goats and sheep posed for us from time to time, and I got some really good practice saying "Bonjour." Robust thunderstorm development occurred once again during mid afternoon, with one storm in particular noisily producing thunder above a surrounding peak. We had to go off trail for a few miles in order to save time reaching the down climb back into the valley and into the relative safety of the forest. The off trail trek was interesting with lots of route finding, steep down climbs, swift creek crossings, and nervous gazes at the storm approaching from above. We made it down safe and sound, and gained an Alps memory in the process.
The third adventure was a cable car ride up to the Aiguille du Midi, which is a marvel of engineering perched atop a rocky spire adjacent to Mont Blanc. This was a great photo and video opp of the dramatic surrounding glaciated peaks and vertical mountain terrain.
Our time in Chamonix was far too short. I am positive I will be back in the future, either to do the 100+ mile Tour du Mont Blanc, or an attempt to obtain the summit of Mont Blanc itself.
Map of Chamonix is here. YouTube video is here.
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