I had a relaxing early morning in the Lyon hotel, since I didn’t have to leave until 9:30. I got a cup of coffee from the lobby, which a few hotels have provided gratis rather than having coffee makers in the room. This seems smart! Although a hot pot is usually available, which I use even though I try to keep a clip from some 80s trash show like Access 48 Hours out of my head. This clip, in case you are wondering, showed people cleaning their underwear in these pots. Although, somehow, I think it also involved airplane coffeemakers too? I don’t know, totally disgusting. Except maybe the boiling water cleans the germs (as I wring out my underwear)? Kidding!
I went to the highly reviewed Boulangerie St Paul, which was an excellent choice. I got a croissant, a ham and cheese sandwich, and a cookie. The croissant and mixte sandwich were excellent. Cookie a little less so, but worth trying!
Then, I walked to the bus station to catch the BlaBlaCar to Chamonix. I walked because the city bus only got me halfway there and I couldn’t find a spot to buy a ticket. I could have problem-solved this one, but walking was fine. I was taking the bus to Chamonix because it was quicker than taking the train.
When I got to the station, I had a little difficulty figuring out where to go. In case you’re ever there, there’s a north and south bus port separated by a large lobby/small sized shopping hall. I went to the wrong one first, of course, and was surrounded by Flix buses. I had thought this might happen so I had time and I figured it out and went to the BlaBla side.
The bus trip was nice. There were three quick stops along the way and one bathroom break. I think the bathroom break was because the onboard toilet was broken. I had gone before we left and had no interest in being left behind at a rest stop, so I stayed in my seat!
The scenery between Annecy and Chamonix started to become really beautiful. The alpine foothills are gorgeous and resemble what I’d seen in Switzerland. Our driver did a quick switch 5 minutes outside of Chamonix and the rest stop had the best view of the Mont Blanc mastiff.
Then, we arrived in town and it is delightful. It’s at the base of the mountain so looking up is almost mandated. Which led me to stepping in the first dog poop of the trip, boo.
I checked into the hotel where I learned I had gotten an upgrade. Nice! I’m in a beautiful room on the third floor, creekside. I sat on the balcony for awhile. I thought about doing a short hike, but decided to walk around town for a bit.
I checked out the railway I’m probably taking tomorrow up the mountain. It’s a historic railroad that used to have these squat steam engines, but is now electric. It’s single-track with a two track passing point in the middle.
For dinner, I kept it casual with a supermarket dinner. Back at the hotel, I had signed up for the sauna which was a nice experience although by my third cycle of 15 minutes on-3ish minutes off, I felt like I was starting an endurance event that needed to end. I turned in early after doing some reading for hikes to do the next day.
In short, a mellow day where I arrived in the most beautiful place. Tomorrow, I hike- assisted by railways and funiculars 🙂
Wow, how absolutely stunning! I hope your hike went well, looking forward to seeing your beautiful pictures. I’d be tempted to just stay in your room and sit on that balcony, with a view like that.