On the way north from Genova towards Switzerland we had our first taste of the Alps in Italy. We stayed at a small hotel in Arnad. The area behind the hotel had some trails up the side of the mountain with some really ancient looking homes and a nice view of the valley.
We also stopped in Aosta to check out yet more Roman ruins.
Roman gates in Aosta
Remains of Roman Theater in Aosta
Then we were off to Switzerland. We drove through the tunnel at Mont Blanc and stopped in Chamonix for some lunch and quick look around. We then drove some scary mountain roads to a small ski resort town called Nendaz. It had some great hikes and some fun kids activities.
Our apartment building in Nendaz
Looking back at Nendaz from one of our first hikes.
We even had a free trampoline to use next to our apartment - cool!
Near the end of a very long hike at Nendaz
Jack taking a climbing class
Jesse got tired of climbing and decided to try bouncing.
Some of the locals
They gave us a nice welcoming party including the traditional horns.
A sample of the sound of the horns with an impromtu dance routine.
Our first side trip was to Zermatt located at the base of the Materhorn.
Some old houses in Zermatt. Notice the circular stones in the foundation supports. The guide book said it was to keep mice from getting into the house.
Graveyard for climbers--a somber reminder for anyone heading up to challenge the Matterhorn
Our next side trip was back to Chamonix and up to the Mer de Glace glacier.
View of the glacier from the top
Part way down to the ice tunnel. The sign above the boys shows the level of the glacier in 1990.
Jack inside the tunnel
Dozens of paragliders soared around the peaks near the glacier.
Our last excusion from Nendaz was the close city of Sion. In pouring rain we climbed up to the 16C castle at the top of a hill overlooking the city.
Jack and Jesse trying to keep dry
The next day we started home. On the way we stopped by Chillon Castle near Montreux. We've been to lots of castles and this was one of the best. They had reconstructed lots of the interior features and defensive walkways. The location on Lake Geneva also made for a great view.
Chillon Castle on the banks of Lake Geneva near Montreux Switzerland
Lord Byron wrote a famous poem about a prisoner of this dungeon in Chillon. He even carved his name during his visit.
On the way home we stopped in Strasbourg. It was a great mix of German and French. We really enjoyed our visit there.
Strasbourg
After that we stopped back in Leuven for a little R&R to prepare for our trip to the Baltic.
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