The French Trip 2022

Pont du Gard

August 20, 2023: Enroute to Collioure, Jean and I revisited the magnificent Pont du Gard, standing tall two millennia after the Romans built it to support their growing empire.

Lac Blanc

June 21, 2022: Chamonix. A few years ago, my indominable friend Kevin hiked the entire Tour du Mont Blanc, all 105 miles. Inspired but less ambitious, we chose the modest Lac Blanc section.

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!