Mark Miller

Mer de Glace

June 20, 2022: Chamonix. Today we hike the Balcon Nord to Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), where the glacier grinds down the north face of Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc

June 19, 2022: Chamonix. The glaciers of Mont Blanc blaze white as they reach through the clouds. Chamonix waits at its foot, giving rest to adventurers.

Annecy

June 15, 2022: Annecy. At first Annecy disappointed: it was hot, it was crowded. Then, in a shady alley, we sat sat with locals and slipped our feet in the stream. Ah…

The Calanques

June 07, 2022: Cassis. We turned the final corner of the hot, dusty, Calanques hike. We found the “hidden beach”. Though beautiful, it was already crowded and overrun!

Carcassonne

June 07, 2022: Carcassonne. Madam Carcas threw a fatted pig over the La Cité battlement to burst at the feet of the besieging enemy. Dispirited, they withdrew.

Lourdes

May 13, 2022: Lourdes. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared a young peasant girl at Lourdes. Each year, 5 million pilgrims seek healing from the waters of the grotto.

Honfleur

May 11, 2022: Honfleur. Honfleur’s old port is a living impressionist painting, with colorful fishermen’s houses reflecting in the basin.

Calvados

May 13, 2022: Calvados. Calvados, famous for its apple brandy, is a coastal part of Normandy. It contains most of the D-Day sights… and wonderful cideries!

July 14, 2022: Bastille Day. The 14th of July is celebrated in grand fashion in Paris, with military parades, fireworks, and an all-night party. This is the French National Celebration, also known as Bastille Day, akin to the USA’s 4th of July.

Andorra

June 3, 2022: Andorra. Jean and I added Andorra, another European micro-state, to our “been there” list. The tiny country, population 80,000, has an area of only 181 square miles.