Paris to Chamonix
We travelled from Paris to Chamonix via the TGV, a local train then finally a little red train up the Chamonix Valley to the snow. It was a beautiful train ride for the last hour or so with wonderful views of the country side, mountains and snow.
We stayed at the Gustavia Hotel directly opposite the train station. Nice breakfast and good rooms.
The highlight of Chamonix was the trip up to Aguilleri de Midi. Starting from Chamonix which is around 1000 metres above sea-level, you take a cable car (72 poeple capacity) up to a first level where you are 2317 Metres, then change to a second cable car which goes up at an amazing vertical angle & you are finally at 3842 metres.
You find yourself located on a peak that has had amazing buildings, platforms and stairs built. The views are exhilrating. After we wondered around for 10 minutes or so, you really notice the lack of oxygen affecting you - wobbly legs & being out of breath are orders of the day.
Amazingly there is a lift inside the mountain peak that takes you up to the very top of the tower you can see in the image below. We were lucky in that the clouds came in 15 minutes or so after we got there.
From here you either go back down or you can pay extra and go to Italy! A cable car can take you 5 Kms further (see image below for details)
During the second world war this area was defended by the French from aproaching Italian/German Troups - hard to imagine how they moved around!
Although this was the end of the Ski Season, there were still plenty of Ski Dudes treking up the mountain to do their thing. We wondered where they get the energy, we barely had enough left to get back down via the ski-lifts.
From the peak, you can view Mont Blanc if the weather is kind - it reaches 4810 metres
The cable-car viewed from the bottom! (This is just the first leg !)
The view down to Chamonix! (approx 3kms)
Stunning Scenery!
The Peak!
Ski Cars on their way to Italy!
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Hi your photos are inspiring and getting me excited for my trip. It must be fabulous there.
I am going to Chamonix in Aug/September. I will be traveling from chamonix to paris afterwards....any ideas on the best way to get from chamonix to paris? the train schedules are not that easy to understand (at least I am having a bit of trouble).
Thanks you can email me at pcp_parker@msn.com if you get a chance.
WOW!! What amazing photos - The vertical shot from a chairlift almost tipped me off my seat!
Your travel journal is very interesting; you guys are packing it all in! I've sent your blogsite to Louisa, (daughter) who is spending 2 nights in Paris next week. You have some really useful tips that she might find helpful.
[edited - djp]
Now I have to look at those mountainous pictures again - they are quite amazing!
Enjoy yourselves and keep up the wonderful photos!
Rita xx
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