Chamonix Mont Blanc

Planning a summer trip to the ski and tourist town of Chamonix Mont-Blanc began with many questions, all of which disappeared upon arrival and were replaced by spectacular scenery and exceptionally diverse food. So of course I couldn't spend another year without setting foot in the country I loved, France. But this time a decision was made - no more Paris, but different and diverse destinations. My trip actually started in Geneva, Switzerland, from there to Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Annecy and finally LyonThat's how I ended up in this French town, located at the foot of the French Alps and close to Italy and Switzerland.Mont Blanc, in French the white mountain, and in Italian “Monte Bianco” is the highest mountain in the Alps, and therefore its peak was the subject of competition between Italy and France, which share its territory. The first to climb to the top of the mountain were two Frenchmen who did so in 1786. Today, crowds climb it every year, as the climb is considered to be of a low degree of difficulty, but is long and drawn out. Around the Mont Blanc range there are three main towns - Chamonix and Saint-Gervais in France and Courmayeur in Italy. There is no doubt that the tourist season is at its peak in the winter and ski seasons, but even in the summer you can hike or take the cable car to the various peaks and enjoy the view.

Chamonix in the evening and during the day

Chamonix is ​​a small town whose charm in my opinion is the provincial atmosphere that is not spoiled by tourists, and the distinct combination of cultures between the French and Italian sides that is evident in the languages ​​and the diverse restaurants. I recommend going to the local tourist office, which is much more efficient and nicer than other tourist offices I have encountered. Without them, I would not have been able to know which cable cars are closed this season and which are not. For example, if you have ever traveled to the Lac Blanc area, I would love to hear your experiences, because when I visited in September, the site was closed. Staying in Chamonix is ​​recommended for two full days, so that you can take advantage of the place and also travel on foot - you can find routes of different difficulty levels and lengths, these routes are pleasant to walk and not crowded.

Aiguille du Midi

The name of one of the peaks on the mountain, on which a huge concrete structure was erected for various purposes (from there climbers set off to the summit), and this is the highest and closest observation point to the summit of Mont Blanc, which is reached by cable car. The line for the cable car is long but fast, the ticket to the top is not cheap and costs about 60 euros, and the climb sometimes includes fluctuations and moments of polite apprehension. The view up is breathtaking, I couldn't stop taking pictures... despite the freezing cold that surprised me (it was 23 degrees below while it was -3 above). You can wander around a small museum that they set up at the point that deals with the various sports that can be done on the mountain, and of course take the elevator up a little further and a little further and see as much of the wonder as possible.

Video guide to skiing in Chamonix