The mountains we’ve seen so far pale in comparison with Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps at 4,810 meters (15,776 feet). On Monday, we drove to Chamonix, the classic French ski resort, to take a look at it. By the time we got to Chamonix, it was time for lunch, so we sat at a restaurant in the central pedestrian zone and ate Salades Savoyardes (lettuce, potatoes, bacon, reblochon cheese, and tomatoes).
We then walked down to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station to start our ascent. We joined about 20 other people in a cable car that went from 1,035 meters to 2,317 meters in 10 minutes, and then changed cars at the Plan de l’Aguille for another ten-minute ride to the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 meters.
On the way up, I wasn’t a happy camper; I have problems with heights and vertigo. However, once we reached the top of the Aiguille and saw the views, it was worth the discomfort!
From this vantage point, you can look at the Alps in all directions and see the summit of Mont Blanc right in front of you. Here are people looking at skiers/mountaineers who had climbed to the summit and were on their way down.
And here is the view towards Italy.
On the way down, we stopped at the Plan de l’Aguille and had some water at the bar, while watching skiers enjoy beers at the end of their exertion. And I actually looked out the windows on the ride down from there.
On our way back to Thônes, we drove via the Col del la Colombiere, which offered yet more fabulous views.
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