French Alps in early summer

The last leg of our camping holiday in France way back in 2007 was a 3-day stay at the French Alps. While storm was ravaging the Swiss side of the alps, we were having fantastic weather on the French side. We camped at an area close to Alp d'Huez, the toughest alpine lap of the Tour de France.

Early summer just proved to be the perfect time to be in this place given the following consideration:

• nice temperature
• fantastic sceneries of the mountains which were still clothed with patches of snow in some areas and lovely alpine blooms sprouting everywhere
• it was still less busy as it was a few weeks away from the start of the Tour de France
• amazing greens that were so refreshing to the eye
  

Camping in this country was just a great experience. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread and croissants accompanied by delicious jams, hams and cheeses. Don't forget the steaming hot coffee as well. Eating was always a pleasure during our camping holiday. Everything we cook from our pots and pans out there in the open always seemed to be a piece de resistance. The nice thing about France was that we could go into those nice local markets to get local produce which were always full of interesting surprises. Hams and cheeses were special favorites and so were those yummy pates and jams. Wines were definitely a must in a country which prided itself of bacchalian ingenuity although I have to give it a pass this time given my pregnancy.

The beauty of the alps was beckoning. In many ways, I was reminded of Julie Andrews singing that "the hills are alive to the sound of music". The sheer beauty of the place has simply moved me to a different level of contentment as if I could touch the heavens over and over again. The sight of the brooks and rivers fed by glacial waters and flowing noisily downhill reminded me a song from church about the "spirit of God in a clear running water, flowing to greatness over the hills". I can't helped but be filled with gratitude for being so blessed to be able to witness this incredible beauty.