France June 2006 - Alps
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What would a Tour de France be without a leisurely Alpine climb? We left the beach and drove five hours to the Pinault's place in Montchavin, where we spend the weekend with Mr. Pinault's parents and aunt. This was the same resort where I took my first trip to France not 7 months ago over Christmas. The Alps were breath-taking covered in snow, but just as amazing in lush, green conditions. And the air! Since the Cote d'Azur's merciless sun and heat left me in a constant state of dehydration, I sucked the Alpine-fresh mountain air like a Ricola. |
Our intrepid guide, the elder Mr. Pinault, who I would follow to Russia and back despite our language barrier.
Taken by Mr. Pinault
Ready to ski! Incredibly, a large number of snow patches defied the sun. 8000 feet of altitude certainly helps.
At our destination, a humble lake. We reached it about an hour after we passed a sign saying the lake was 30 minutes away.
With aptly-named Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, also known as La Dame Blanche (the White Lady).
Taking a painfully-refreshing dip in the lake.
The descent - taken by Mr. Pinault.
Alpenrose
A public lake in the valley.
Day Two's Hike to Peisey-Vallandry for a farewell family picnic, after which we headed back to Paris for our flight the next day.