When I was younger and dumber, I tried Gliding in the French Alps. The tandem flight started high over the Village of Chamonix France. A gut wrenching leap from an exposed cliff about a mile above the village. I carried my camera with me and managed a few shots during the brief flight. The flight ended after about 15 minutes with a soft landing in a small park in the middle of town.
The Village of Chamonix is located below the massive Mount Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps.
Another town near Mont Blanc is Courmayeur in Italy. A cable car ascends and crosses the mountain from Courmayeur to Chamonix. From Courmayeur it is a short distance to the village of La Palud. At La Palud is the station for the Skyway Monte Bianco. This cable car takes you to Pointe Helbronner. From Pointe Helbronner, you can jump on the Vallee Blanche Aerial Tramway which goes to Aiguille du Midi. Connecting to the Teleferique de l’aiguille du midi, this cable car will take you back to Chamonix.
Skiing in the morning in France, lunch in Italy and skiing back to Chamonix for a crepe and a cup of hot black coffee.
Gliding in the French Alps is just one of the activities available to the visitor. A combination of breathtaking vistas, great food and a friendly atmosphere make Chamonix a good destination.