The sixth and final stop on our tour of Alpine Europe brought us to the booming ski town of Chamonix, France, at the base of Mont Blanc and the Aguille du Midi. 

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We arrived in Chamonix just after lunch time, and made a break straight for an outdoor cafe, where we enjoyed some french delicacies (i.e. wine and french fries). We spent the afternoon walking around and taking in the sights and shops of the bustling town, and enjoying some macarons. For dinner, we found a very small Italian restaurant on the river going through town, where we enjoyed what all in our group will swear was our best meal in Europe. Grammie and I went for the pasta with clams, and everyone else tried the pizza. I swear, my mom still talks about how it was the "best pepperoni pizza she has ever had". The next day, I ventured up to the Aguille du Midi to take in the sights of Mont Blanc and the town below. At 12,605 feet elevation, the gondola ride to the top was steep, but it was exhilarating to be, almost literally, on top of the world! After descending for more hot cocoa and apple strudel, we joined our Rick Steves group for a farewell dinner where we were treated to some classic french cuisine and heartfelt goodbyes from our new friends.