Chamonix and the Majesty of Mont Blanc

The two Englishmen who discovered the ‘Priory of Chamouni’, or Chamonix to you and I, in 1741 could have had little suspicion that their visit would create an interest that would continue right through to the present day. So great are the mountaineering and skiing opportunities that the first winter Olympics were held here in 1924 and if that isn’t enticement enough to come try out the activities, then the breath-taking views should be.

Mont Blanc is one of the most famous and most visited places in Europe and one can immediately see why. Arriving in the Alps, the crystal clear sky so blue the shimmering snow on the mountains beneath seemed to take on its colour and the air so crisp I barely notice the altitude. I was so distracted by the natural beauty that I almost forgot to collect my suitcase from the coach. Transferring from Geneva couldn’t be easier with the Sat Bus daily service. Though I have to admit I really wished I could have afforded the helicopter option.

What a view that would have been, swooping up over the peaks and dips of one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges. Still, I couldn’t complain, I was there, in Chamonix. I’ve always loved winter sports, but more to watch than to participate, with one exception, ice skating.

Before my trip I’d assumed all the activities would be aimed at the crazy and the adventurous; those who love to conquer mountains either by climbing them and sliding down them, but I was wrong.

It didn’t take long for me to discover, not only a fantastic ice rink, but paragliding, mountain biking, great spas, golf, tennis and more hikes than I dare count. Now I may not be inclined to try out crampons and a rope to ascend to the ‘roof of Europe’, but a hiking trail or two to explore and I’m there.For me it was spring time, the snow was beginning to ease and the leaves were gathering on the trees so making my way along the mountain sides, looking out of the stunning vistas couldn’t have been more relaxing.

I was also surprised how family friendly the area is. The pretty meadows and hamlets of Les Houches are the perfect place to acclimatise children to the mountains and all they have to offer. One of my favourite touristy activities was Le Petit Train; this cute wheeled train may look like it’s just for kids, but the tour is a great source of local information, history of the town, its architecture as well as the sports and sportsmen and women how have made their mark on the area.

The town itself is almost idyllic in its Alpine construction and as I wandered around the shops I was not disappointed with the variety, there’s everything from the obligatory sporting suppliers to designer stores like Chanel. There are also local handicrafts, as well as some lovely tea rooms and pastry shops to refresh you during a hard afternoon of shopping.

And don’t miss a visit to La Refuge Payot, this quaint delicatessen sells some of the most amazing local produce you can possibly imagine, including wines and hams but it was the array of cheeses that drew me in and who can resist a brandy cake!?

Don’t be fooled into thinking Chamonix is all about the daylight hours either. If sitting by a roaring fire in your cabin isn’t enough for you of cosy evening, then there is plenty of nightlife in Chamonix. There’s the cinema, the casino and British style pubs, but for me, it was the local bars and live music spots that kept my evenings lively and bright.

More articles from Chamonix

Inside the glacier – at the Mer de Glace above Chamonix
Video diary – walking on the Tour de Mont Blanc above Chamonix
What to wear for a trek in the mountains – on the Tour de Mont Blanc

My thanks for this sponsored post, written by Leah S Thorley,  to MyDestination.com – your guide to all things Chamonix

Photo credits: MyDestination.com and Heatheronhertravels.com

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

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Catacombs and Space invaders – Paris beyond the Eiffel tower

Are you a young (or young-at-heart), hip traveller keen to explore the sights of Paris and have a little fun, but can’t find anything in the guidebooks that features unconventional attractions and youthful things to do? Everyone knows to go and see the the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, but if you’re too lazy to queue up for the Louvre and not fussed about Notre Dame, here are some cool suggestions for the adventurous spirits among you;

Paris Catacombs

If you’re into spine-chilling sights and a spooky atmosphere, visit the Catacombes de Paris that run deep under the city streets. After a winding staircase of over 100 steps, you enter a small passage that twists and turn, with only the intermittent sound of dripping water to keep you company. This subterranean ossuary is home to the remains of over 6 million people, whose skulls and bones line the sides of the latter part of the underground passage. The atmosphere and mood of the catacombs is truly something else; it’s incredible to experience this well-preserved cemetery that exists right beneath your feet!

Space Invaders Urban Art

Remember the Space Invaders arcade game that was made popular in the 80s? The game features recognisable pixelated aliens, that have been ‘invading’ Paris since 1998.These cute and colourful creatures can be spotted on buildings around the city and are a lot of fun to find. The artist, Invader, has made it his life’s work to arrange mosaics of the Space Invaders all over Paris (and many other cities) with maps and clues on where to find them. If you don’t have time to hunt for them, you can always download or purchase an Invader map, showing you exactly where each 8-bit alien is hiding.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Another famous Parisian cemetery is the Père Lachaise, where you can kiss Oscar Wilde’s tomb or play a song for Jim Morrisson and Frèdèric Chopin.This massive graveyard is the final resting place to a vast array of French and international personalities, from influential writers like de Balzac and Proust, to artists, architects, and aristocrats from Russia, the U.S., Poland, and elsewhere. Here you can visit the largest number of celebrities and historical figures in one place.

Where To Hang Out

Paris is divided into 20 districts or arrondissement that wind like the patterns on a snail’s shell around the city. Instead of ending up in the posh and overpriced 16th or touristy 7th, head to the Latin Quarter in the 5th and 6th and Le Marais stretching across the 3rd and 4th. Here you can find affordable accommodation and restaurants, great cafes and bars, artists, writers and even some Space Invaders. Both areas are known for their hip vibe and easy-going atmosphere and boast a vibrant nightlife once the sun goes down.

Get the info on these cool things to do in Paris

Catacombes de Paris
Père Lachaise
Space Invaders Urban Art

More things to enjoy in Paris

The Eiffel Tower – Icon of Paris or tourist trap?
Time to start planning your family autumn break in Paris
Our supercalifragilistic day at the Magical kingdom of Disneyland Paris

Photo credits: Paris catacombs by seangraham, Père Lachaise Cemetery by Mark Turner, Rue de Seine by mariurupe, and Le Marais by drewleavy

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

The mountain clothing you’ll need for treking the Tour de Mont Blanc

Forgive me if you’re a seasoned long distance walker who already has all the gear to set off on a mountain trek like the Tour de Mont Blanc. If you’re an occasional walker like me, however, you may find it useful to know which pieces of mountain clothing are worth the investment and which will only get worn once or twice.

Having walked part of the Tour de Mont Blanc two years running, I had a much better idea this second year of what I should pack for my trek in the mountains. Bearing in mind that you’ll need to carry everything with you (no Sherpas in the Alps), the trick is to take just the right things and no more. Here are the things that earned their keep in my backpack;

Essential clothing for walking the Tour de Mont Blanc

Walking Boots – It goes without saying that you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking boots with good ankle support. So long as you’ve worn these in and are sure they won’t give you any trouble, this could be all the footwear that you need while you’re up on the mountain trails, although when you come down to the valley you might want some lightweight trainer style shoes. All the refuges that we stayed at provided slippers or plastic clogs to wear inside the refuge. If not you can pad around in your…

Walking socks – I always treat myself to a couple of new pairs for a trip like this. I found 2 pairs was enough for the 3 days we were walking, I might stretch it to 3 if I was doing the whole 12 day trail but the trick is not to over-pack but to rinse out and dry overnight if they’re getting too smelly. I also had some lightweight cotton socks for wearing in the refuge at night. And of course for the changeable mountain weather you’ll need a good…

Waterproof Jacket – Mine was a rather fetching cream Gore Tex jacket which I got from Ellis Brigham who specialise in mountain and outdoor clothing including womens waterproof jackets like mine. It packed up quite small but was substantial enough to keep off the morning and evening chill when you get up to altitude. I loved the cream colour, although my husband urged me to choose a more practical colour and I’ve found that you can easily wash it when it gets grubby. My jacket has plenty of zip pockets and a hood with visor that zips away into the neck when not in use. My last waterproof jacket saw me through a trip into the rain-forest of Ecuador 3 years ago and has been earning it’s keep ever since, so I have high hopes that this new one will last me a few years until I can finish the whole Tour de Mont Blanc.

I hope you enjoy the video below about what to wear for a walk in the Mountains on the Tour de Mont Blanc

If you can’t see the video above, please view it on my blog

Walking trousers – I took one pair of walking trousers, also from Ellis Brigham that were made of a quick-drying, lightweight fabric with a comfortable waist and zips on the legs to make them into shorts. I wore the same pair every day, only changing on arrival at the mountain huts in the evening. You should avoid heavy cotton trousers or (God forbid) jeans what will mark you out as a fair-weather walker,  leave you soggy if there’s any rain and take ages to dry. Like my jacket, the trousers had lots of useful pockets for lip salve, maps and cameras. And on your top half you’ll need…

Walking t-shirts – I walked in a stretchy running t-shirt that I already owned, but if you’re buying anything specially, look for the lightweight, quick-drying fabric or specially treated Merino wool that is ideal for walking as it wicks away sweat and keeps you cool. I did alternate with a running vest but it’s probably preferable to wear t-shirts that cover your shoulders to avoid any painful sunburn if the sun is out, or you’ll spend all your time slapping on the sun cream. Of course if you’re not so lucky with the weather and it pours with rain you’ll need some…

Waterproof trousers – on both my trips, these were the least used item in my backpack, but then we were walking in August and were blessed with sunshine for most of the time. I did, however, hear tales of walkers who had bad weather for several days in a row and in this case your waterproof trousers will keep you comfortable and dry. Unless you do a lot of walking, I personally wouldn’t invest a lot of money in waterproof trousers, but would buy something inexpensive that will pack up small, but still do the job of keeping you dry.

Clothes to wear in the mountain huts on the Tour de Mont Blanc

When you arrive at your mountain refuge, the etiquette is to remove your boots at the door and you will normally be offered some slippers or plastic clogs to wear inside. Typically you would shower before dinner (if the refuge has a shower – some of the more remote ones don’t) and then change into your refuge wear which for me was….

Stretchy running trousers – these were comfortable, quick to dry and could double up for walking if necessary and I also wore a…

Lightweight cotton t-shirt that I kept just for the refuge and only put on after I had showered, so it didn’t get too sweaty.

My refuge outfit doubled up as pyjamas as I discovered that the sleeping arrangements were mostly communal with men and women sleeping together, sometimes in large dorms, so it was a bit pointless to pack your pretty nightwear. To keep warm I also had…

2 fleece tops – One was a zip front mid-weight fleece that I also wore when walking if I was cold, the other a lightweight long sleeve fleece t-shirt that would go over  a short sleeve t-shirt. I found last year that I under-estimated how cold it could be in the evening at altitude in the mountain refuges, so I found that 2 fleeces that could be layered kept me cosy.

You can see the contents of my rucksack laid on the bed in the photo above and the list of what I packed below (bearing in mind that we were only walking for 3 days, rather than the whole 12 day tour)

Clothing

Walking boots, 1 pair Walking trousers, 1 pair jogging bottoms, 2 quick drying t-shirts, 1 light cotton t-shirt, 1 long sleeve fleece t-shirt, 1 mid weight zip front fleece, 2 pairs walking socks, 1 pair light cotton socks, 1 pair waterproof trousers, sunhat, underwear

Other stuff

TMB walking guide, TMB map, miniature medical kit, small size toiletries, tissues, wet wipes, suncream, camping towel, silk sheet sleeping bag, camera, video recorder, audio recorder, mobile, enough cash for our whole walk, walking poles.

My thanks to Ellis Brigham for providing some of the clothing I used for this year’s walk. I highly recommend them for mountain and outdoor clothing, with shops in the UK and an online store. You can follow them on Twitter @ellis_brigham and on the Ellis Brigham Facebook Page with Videos on Youtube and on the Ellis Brigham blog.

More tales from the Tour de Mont Blanc

What I packed for my mini Tour de Mont Blanc 2010 – video
My second year on the Tour de Mont Blanc – video diary 2011
Tour de Mont Blanc 2011 Day 2 – Col de Balme to Champex

www.flickr.com heatheronhertravels’ France – Tour de Mont Blanc 2011 photoset

 

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

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