After 2 nights in Beaune, we headed into the Alps to Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The town is charming with flowers galore, but the real draw is the surrounding scenery of lush pastures leading to thick evergreen forests, ending at enormous glaciers spewing from towering, snow capped mountains. The town also lays claim to the Aiguille du Midi and its 12 mile ski run. Luckily, Chamonix offers much for a family with toddlers too.
On Saturday morning we headed out early to catch a ride on the Montenvers Railway up to a vantage point overlooking the 4.5 mile long Mer de Glace (the longest glacier in France). The train ride was hilarious in that we were surrounded by semi-professional mountain climbers in full climbing gear, preparing for a day of climbing being contrasted against Ethan and Allison, both excited to take a train ride and needing constant candy, raisins, and water on the oh-so-long 20 minute trip. Although the price was steep, the overlook was absolutely gorgeous. The pictures below really don't do it justice. After taking a quick hike, we headed down to the glacier where we were able to actually go inside and walk around.
Here are some of our pictures from the trip to the glacier:
Ethan in time out. Yes, little boys can find themselves in timeout in gorgeous scenery too. Luckily it wasn't too crowded so we didn't mind the screaming and crying as he sat there; although if he was a bit louder, the sound probably would have started echoing in the valley.
The bridge leading into the glacier. Every so often (many, many years) as the glacier moves down the mountain, they have to drill new holes into it since moving the bridge would be too big of a hassle.
A and E feeling out their first glacier. When the netting ended, Ethan literally kissed the ice - I guess he likes glaciers.
The rustic, yet luxurious lobby of our hotel.
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