TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - CHAMONIX

Chamonix has been welcoming travelers and adventurers for over two and a half centuries. It is a beautiful town nestled deep in an alpine valley on the north side of Mont Blanc.

Hotel de l'Arve is located in the town centre on the north bank of the river l'Arve.

One of the local attractions is the Saturday's market, where local artisans display their talents and local farmers offer their tasty products.

Doctor Michel Gabriel Paccard, who with the local guide Jacques Balmat  first climbed Mont Blanc in 1786, sits in the center of the town looking at his mountain hidden by a bank of clouds.

Jacques, in the meantime, is busy pointing out the summit to Horace-Benedict de Saussure, a famous scientist who a year later also reaches the summit. During his expedition, eighteen guides carry his equipment, which includes an umbrella, tent, folding bed, mattress, sheets, blankets, two frock coats, three jackets, three waistcoats, six shirts, two suits, gaiters, three pair of shoes and even.... a pair of slippers.

At night, the town becomes an enchanted garden full of lights and music. It is very early in the tourist season and the streets and restaurants are mostly empty. When we return from our hike, the town is full of people.