April 12 - Train ride from Lugano to Chamonix, France!

The weather forecast was for sunny skies, and on Saturday we made the decision to leave the next morning on a train ride to Chamonix, France. I had been there 10 years ago with my sister, and it was the most exciting train ride and cable car ride I've ever had! I really wanted Rick to have the experience. The train takes us to Bellinzona, then Locarno, and then the small gauge Centovalli train, connecting in Domodossola, Italy, through the Sempione Pass, the Valais valley, and then we change in Martigny, Switzerland to the Mont Blanc express to Chamonix. 7 hours of train, 7 train changes! Phew! 

The Centovallie road passes below the road in Re, Italy, just across the border. This cathedral is HUGE, and so impressive from the right angle. I quickly caught the view up from the train. 

We are going through the Valais valley, famous for their white, fondant wine. the south side of the valley is transformed into miles of stone-terraced walls. I can't imagine how much work that must be! 

We are now on the Mont Blanc express - it slowly winds its way on a cogwheel up the mountain from Martigny to another valley. This view is looking north in the Valais valley, towards Montreux (which can't be seen in this photo). 

Ok, this picture doesn't look like much - it's very hard to capture how high we are - basically on a cliff hugging the valley walls. It's like a gorge way down there. But look carefully! In the center of the picture, across the valley, on the side of the mountain you'll see a small spot of green, with a couple of houses. (you'll have to enlarge it) Amazing that someone is living on this little spot with what seems to be NO way of getting there! Amazing! 

The train is at a higher level than the road, which you see partly covered. 

It's like this village is just hanging off the cliff (it kind of is!) Way above the gorge. 

Rick looking out the train window

We arrive in Chamonix, and this is our view from our hotel (Pointe Isabelle). The pointy peak right in the middle is the Aiguille du Midi, which we will go up to the next morning. Mont Blanc is to the right of it and a little behind. The Chamonix train station is at the end of the street where the bus is. 

A square in Chamonix

The weather was so pleasant - we even ate dinner outside! - with help from heaters.