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[Regions of Italy] 
[Back to Val d'Aosta]
One
of the most exciting things to do in Valle d'Aosta is take a cable car ride. From Courmayeur, take a bus or
taxi about 4 miles north to La Palud. From there the Funivia del Monte Bianco takes an hour and a half (in
good weather) to cover the three stages all the way to Chamonix, in France. The first part is basically up
and takes about 20 minutes to reach 10,000-foot high Punta Helbronner on the French border. Hang onto your
seats! The next stage soars for almost an hour and more than a mile above the Giant Glacier. If your legs
will hold you, walk through the gallery to catch the last cable car, which travels through the very heart
of the mountain down to Chamonix. You'll probably want to take a bus back through the Mont Blanc tunnel to
Courmayeur, but be prepared to stay overnight in Chamonix if the weather turns and you arrive too late for
the busses.
If
all this sounds like a lot of soaring and hanging in mid-air, then please do consider just taking the first
quick trip with a stop halfway at Pavillon. Here, beside a small alpine lake, you will be able to walk along
paths of varying difficulty to take countless pictures of the breathtaking views. Get acquainted with more
than 900 species of alpine flora in the Saussurea Gardens. Then ride on up to Punta Helbronner and have lunch
amongst some of this planet's most unforgettable scenery. Many package prices are available for individuals
and families so be sure to ask your hotel about them first.
[Regions of Italy] [Back to Val d'Aosta]