Diary Entry: 2nd-5th Aug 2005 - The journey continues...

Photo Album for France

Country Highlights En Route

French Alps

The French Alps are renowned for their stunning scenery complete with beautiful mountains, rolling foothills, and pristine lakes and rivers. The Alps is France�s third most popular tourist region and it is Europe�s largest mountain range. The Alps spread over France, Italy and Switzerland, with the highest peaks being on the eastern edge and forming a formidable natural barrier with Italy. Mont Blanc in Haute-Savoie stands at 4,807m (15,767ft) and is the tallest mountain in Europe.

Chamb�ry is the birthplace and historic capital of the Duchy of Savoie. Its old town centre dates from the 13th century onwards and is made up of a labyrinth of interconnecting alleyways and courtyards around an ancient castle, making it a pleasant place to lose oneself for an afternoon, often literally! Lying in a valley surrounded by the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges, it provides almost 360-degree views of the French Alps. To the north, it is bordered by Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. Chamb�ry has long been an "Alpine crossroads" dating all the way back to the 11th century. Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man (the French version of the Declaration of Independence) while living in Chamb�ry. The main reason for us visiting there, however, is that Martin has been living there for the last three years and we need to stop at his local pubs to say goodbye.