Torino’s a Architectually Rich City, and Fun Too
We left France early and drove through the 11 km Mt Blanc tunnel, and it was sunny as we drove the winding road to Torino. This is a delightful city, about 900,000 inhabitants, settled 2000 years ago, and full of porticoes, students and wide open piazzas. Carol our guide pointed […]
Le Dru Challenges Climbers in the Sea of Ice
This is much steeper than it looks! After watching these ice hikers, we went back down and ran to catch a train. It was the cog mountain railway that took us up a steep grade to the other side of the mountain, to the Mer de Glace. Chamonix, we learned […]
Walking the Knife Edge on Mt Blanc
Today I was humbled by the towering edifices which nature has plunked down here in Northwestern France. We got up early and drove to the famous ski town of Chamonix. Our destination was that big ole mountain we saw from the air yesterday: Mount Blanc. In front of the cable […]
Only the French Admit to Still Smoking
There was a telling moment as we were touring a chalet at La Ferme de Marie, an upscale hotel chain with outposts here in Megeve, Province, Lyon and other French cities. Our tour guide was showing us the upstairs bedroom of a beautiful large wooden beamed chalet that was available […]
Dipping and Swooping Amidst Mt Blanc’s Glaciers
After a hike in the clean Alpine air, strolling up through the mountains outside of Megeve, we all felt renewed and refreshed. We were relaxed and happy…so what else but to have another giant meal? No, this one wasn’t as spectacular, just the usual two courses and wine, and we […]
Is This a Luxury Prison, Or Is There a Switch?
I awoke to a totally darkened room here in my luxury off-season room in Chalet Alice. What gives? Try as I might, I see no way to lift up these metal shades that have clamped down, blocking my Alpine view. Whoa, it’s like a very well-appointed prison, no way to […]
Romanee Conte, 2000 Vintage…Nearly Priceless
We visited the cellar at this Relais and Chateau property, Domain du Mont d’Arbois in Megev, and I asked if he had any Romanee Conte. “Oh yes,” said Francois, “more than a few cases.” This wine is the ultimate treasure for wine lovers. It’s so rare and is only made […]
Don’t Do This to Me, I’m Fat Enough Already
This goes out to anyone who has ever been on a press trip. You know the suffering. The madness. The ‘it’s already time to eat? We just had lunch’ feeling you sometimes get when your hosts want you to sample their cuisine and pile it on. I’m sure I’ll get […]