If you are not up for skiing (there are nine ski areas in the region), you can still enjoy higher altitudes by taking a cable car up the Aiguille de Midi or Le Brévent. I’ve heard that the ride up is pretty frightening, but worth the trip as the views are spectacular. A super helpful tourist information office hands out maps and advice about all journeys. Sadly, we didn’t head up, as our daughter is less than two years old and the ascent is too much for her little ears. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Lyon
I’d heard mixed reviews about Lyon, but I have to say I’m a fan. The second biggest city in France, it’s a foodie paradise, boasting excellent gastronomic fare. Plentiful restaurants and great shopping means you can’t lose here. Switzerland is great for a lot of things, but shopping is not one of them. The choices in Lyon are refreshing. It would be dangerous for me to live there.
Shopping and eating aside, the beautiful Renaissance old town (Vieux Lyon) is a UNESCO heritage site. Bordered by the rushing water of the Saône and guarded by the Fourvière (or “hill of prayer”), Vieux Lyon is a must-see. The boutiques, tiny bookshops stacked to the ceiling with volumes, and smell of fresh crepes guide you through the old streets. Okay, back to shopping and eating again here!
Lyon is so big that you can really only get a taste of the diversity of the city in a day. Actually, in my experience, this is true for the whole of France. The country is so diverse that day tripping through its treasures will only give you a slight taste, so that you always want to come back and see (and taste) more. I’m already daydreamin’ about my next escape …
Related Story: Day Trippin’: Stories from the Land of Cheese
