La Dame blanche

I first visited Chamonix ( shah-moh-nee) almost a decade ago, which has now become an almost annual activity with the family.I may not have distinct memories from each of my trips, but the ever-so-fresh beautiful valleys and majestic yet humble Mont Blanc, has never failed to bring me closer to my elements and inspire me in so many years. Zero monotony. Each visit has been new, exciting, relaxing and absolutely splendid to say the least. One of my sole reasons to travel is always discovering new cuisines, local farmer's markets, fresh ingredients and grasping the food ideology of a place through its culture. Needless to say, i have been blessed with some wonderful friends spread across the World. Chamonix, or as I like to call it, 'My second home', is still raw and organic, even with its growing demand in tourism. It is also sometimes known as La Dame blanche (French for "the White Lady") .

Travelling from India, the easiest access to this beautiful haven is a flight to Geneva. Chamonix resides in the French Alps, very close to Switzerland. It is barely a couple of hours drive away from Geneva Airport. And the drive- Oh La La! Absolutely breathtaking and refreshing. Its like a breathe of brand new life. Everytime!

 Landing into Geneva Airport.

It all began in 1741 when two Englishman, Windham and Pococke, discovered the 'Chamouny' valley and its glaciers. In their travel they met rural mountain farmers from the region who lived off animal husbandry and a sparse harvest of oats and rye. The first ever ascent of Mt-Blanc was made in 1786, and in 1924 Chamonix hosted the first ever Winter Olympic Games. 

Driving through the lush : Enroute Chamonix!

This underdog town has very strong and traditional food roots, which are also experimented with in some of their local restaurants.Most of the restaurants have seasonal/weekly menus which make them even more interesting and caters wonderfully to the explorer in me. And EVERYTHING is exquisite on the menu. The locals love their food and take such pride in cooking it, which shows when the food is served on the table. Even the smallest cafés serve nothing but the best. One of my most favourite things to binge on there is the fresh Chantilly Cream, the heaven-like Macarons, fresh morning croissants and the exuberant variety of cheese: both local and regional, to name a few! The local farmers' markets are intensely inspirational for me. They affect the way I approach food and cook at a sub-conscious plane. The passion and pride each stall owner has in his local produce is almost sacred. All your sense organs can feast on the local fresh array of cheese, meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, wines, pastas, breads, pastry, flora & fauna, art and much much more!
The farmers are encouraging to sample their produce, for the love of food! *Sante*

 

Local pâtisserie in the Chamonix town square.

 

 A visit to the Local Farmers Market on a sunny Saturday morning.

Other than eating and food shopping there are tons of other outdoor activities and sport one can enjoy in the lap of nature. Trekking, paragliding, rafting are some of them I have explored. There are over 100 walking/trekking paths in and around this quaint township. 

Tranquil walking paths, amidst countless summer streams.

Onset of sunset, outside my Chalet balcony : Mont Blanc, covered by passing clouds.

My visit to the St.Bernard breeding farm, 10 mins from Chamonix.

Its only in the recent years, that I have spent my summers here. But it all started with visiting Chamonix to ski down the perfect snow laden slopes and end the activity with piping hot Cocoa in the cafés by the slopes.

For the ones who like more site seeing, there is a train/cable-car ride which takes you the top of Mont Blanc, which has some preserved ice caves and fossils, and ofcorse not to forget the renowned glaciers.

Spending a week there in a year, is a primary rejuvenation and a soul refuel.

A splash of fresh water on the face in the bathroom taps right from the source itself, The Alps, is the perfect way to begin your mornings here! There is not a moment spent in this valley, when you feel a mere sense of existence.  You only feel completely alive. Even if it is being curled up with your favourite book in the sunny outdoors or days of exciting adventure sports. This is where we all come back to Life!

Some of the Must visit restaurants:

http://www.hameaualbert.fr/en/gallery 

(The homemade chicken liver terrine, onion jam & mushroom in vinegar is an essential)

http://www.restaurant-caleche.com/

(Any Savoy Fondue!)

Statutory Warning: The above are some brilliant local restaurants. There are tons of little places in and around the town square which must be explored as well! Most of this town can be covered on foot.

P.S :Bear in mind the local cuisine of this region is strongly influenced by Switzerland, making it unique

 Bon Appetite!

xoxo