Chamonix, 2013

From Bourg en Bresse we drove on, getting as far as St. Pierre en Faucigny and its aire. Next morning we got to Chamonix and parked among the 20 or so campers at Grepon. We spent the day walking, shopping, even riding the bus up to Le Tour or so and back. Sightseeing. It was clear to us that the place was shutting down. Apparently, there is no shoulder season here. Conversations at the TI confirmed that all the telepheriques but Aiguilles du Midi were indeed closing that weekend. News to us, since we've never been here before in September. We went to the market Saturday morning (traditional poulet roti repast) and got in one really good day's hike (next post) before the weather closed in, cooler, lots of rain, and then--what a thrill!--the first snow of the season, thankfully only down to about 5,000 feet and not the valley. Just about all the other campers left. We lazed about a few days, me mostly at the South Bar, blogging, and Vicki at the camper at Grepon, reading and relaxing; and did the wash and some final French provisioning; and then, as soon as the weather looked better on the other side, we crossed (under) the Alps and landed in another favorite place, Courmayeur. But we did have a few good days in Chamonix.

I actually prefer the other side, from the Val Ferret in Italy, but when you're in
Chamonix, it's hard to take your eyes off the Mountain

From the vicinity of the Saturday market; I know I have
posted this shot many times before; so I'll spare you all
the usual shots from the market

Aiguille du Midi peaking through

New construction in Chamonix...neo-Maginot Line?

We have never seen snow on the Aiguilles Rouges before; nor did we want to

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Chamber of Commerce: this shot is
definitely for sale!

Cloud tricks

Glacier des Bossons

One day, between showers, I walked down to Les Houches,
stopping at the very nice Les Galliands park complex, trails,
fishing ponds, ropes course, and practice cliffs; here is what
4th grade PE in Chamonix looks like

A ruin by one of the ponds

Part of the extensive ropes course

Across the valley from Les Houches, Pax