Post-Tour Du Mont Blanc
Our life hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc was filled with eating simple countryside meals, sleeping in triple bunk beds that fit at least 24 stinky hikers, and aching knees from the constant uphill and downhill terrain. And so, after 11 grueling yet rewarding days and 110 miles of hiking in the picturesque peaks of France, Switzerland, and Italy, we were ready to leave our mountain peasantry behind and indulge in the luxuries of taxis, hot showers, and a bed that I would only have to share with my sister.
First, after a much needed night of rest , we decided to explore more of Chamonix and figured we had earned our right to take a lift up to see the gorgeous Mont Blanc peaks. The lift took us up to see L'Aiguille du Midi, the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without hiking. The views were beyond this world, especially to a little girl from the dry, blazing hot, barren landscape of Arizona. Seeing the true magnitude of only just one peak out of the Mont Blanc massif made my family feel proud of our adventures in those mountains.
At the top off the lift, they had amazing views coupled with informational displays.
Not yet tired of the snow and ice, we also visited Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and Grotte de Glace, better known as the Ice Cave. I had expected the Mer de Glace to look like a sparkling sheet of white and blue, but to my surprise, the grey dust and dirt acted like a blanket, covering its beauty. I honestly thought that there would be cleaners at the glacier, sweeping and vacuuming the dust off, helping it to maintain a pristine condition. The Grotte de Glace however, was absolute insanity. It was something out of a Microsoft Windows background. Although many parts were man-made (like the perfectly carved ice bed and chair), the natural smooth, blue ice that emanated an otherworldly glow throughout the tunnel, was one sight for sore eyes.
Hikers trekking to the Grotte de Glace.
My cute parents being cute (this was totally candid).
After our short time in Chamonix, we traveled the short time to the neighboring town, Annecy, where we reveled in the luxuries of the Château des Avenières. This hotel was nothing short of perfection. We would visit the main hotel every morning for breakfast, but stayed in the suite, La Maison des Écureuils, which was a short walk away. La Maison des Écureuils had 2 stories, breathtaking views, and an old money-villa feel. I felt like Barry Keoghan in Saltburn, acting like I owned the place. And again, after sleeping in cramped spaces for the entirety of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, it was a well-deserved reward.
The Château des Avenières. Jaw dropping. She is the moment.
My mom as Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music.
Girl time. Those walks were absolutely heavenly.
Perfection. The view from the main hotel building.
Following a couple nights in complete and utter bliss, we bid au revoir to our month spent in France as we packed our bags and flew home. It was the best 10th birthday celebration ever.
Oh and yes, we did survive our month long trip to France with only 5 carry-ons.
They hate us cuz they ain't us.✌️
And that’s where our France 2017 journey ended! Thank you guys so much for your support, stay tuned for the 2016 Bicentennial National Park recaps!!
