Finally! It’s lunch time. We’ll eat at Chalet-hôtel du Grand Ballon, (you can view this in English by clicking the box on the upper right), but first we have to make a stop at the Famille Riche store, filled aromatically and beautifully with all things honey-related. The family raises the bees, using the honey in a variety of products. My s-i-l gifted me with a jar of honey, almonds in honey, and a beeswax Christmas candle. I bought several trios of honey-based soaps as gifts. If you have a minute, take a look at their website. You’ll find beautiful things. The almonds in honey taste wonderful on chèvre or foie gras. You can take my word on that! 🙂
It was summer, so there wasn’t heat on in the restaurant, so we were freezing, although the lunch was delicious. The hotel has a long history since the late 1800’s. My s-i-l is sure that this hotel was owned by a Jewish family, then taken over and used as an SS headquarters. I couldn’t find confirmation online, although obviously it might not be something the present owners would be interested in mentioning. It does have a great view, though.
Now that the fog was gone, the view from the top of the Grand Ballon (remember, that’s a mountain) was quite something. However, the wind was fierce, so I had to hang onto my phone for dear life. At least it had blown the fog and clouds away.
Outside the hotel.
Remember me mentioning all those wildflowers?
When I take up the tale again, you’ll find us in a town that shares the same last name with my s-i-l in Arizona, her maiden name. Until then.
This, that and the other thing 
Beautiful views, and such bounty at the Famille Riche store. I’ve just been browsing the website!
I wanted to buy everything and was regretting that I could only bring back one suitcase without paying a ridiculous amount extra!! Each visit I take less on the way over and yet my suitcase is crammed on the way home. I couldn’t even bring the bottle of great champagne my s-i-l wanted to give me. 😦
janet
😦 We get an extra luggage allowance with some airlines through the Big T’s airpoints programme (one of the few benefits of his constant travel), but even that never seems enough.
And then there’s the weight limit. 😦 I got a lot of tea, which takes up some room but weighs virtually nothing, but that champagne broke my heart. 🙂
I sympathise!
That is such a pretty place to stop for lunch and a respite from thd wind. Besutiful photos, Janet. I love being in the mountains when the fog burns off of the clouds blow away. It’s like unwrapping a gift.
That’s a great way of describing it, Dan, but then I feel like each day in the mountains is a gift.
I love the views, near and far, at this location. So much to see and taste—a banquet for the senses.
Ω
Transporting scenery, thanks.
My pleasure completely, Sally. It’s great to have you along. 🙂
janet
I love the mountain bluet, such showy specimens, I have some in my garden.
Gorgeous views again! What a sight, history or no history.
I am a honey lover, too. Too bad I’m allergic to bee stings, or I’d probably keep bees! My husband’s family has a great connection to a beekeeper and that keeps us well-stocked in glorious fresh honey 😛
When I lived in Georgia, I visited Savannah Bee Company for fancy finds. They’re online, but it’s not the same as local and shiny glass shelves and sampling 😉
I used to get some great honey when my s-i-l lived in Provence, especially the lavender honey. But I’ve pretty much enjoyed all the honey I’ve had.
janet
Beautiful and sounds tasty! I love honey, every way and type I’ve ever tasted.
I agree. 🙂
janet
Great information, very nice photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
My pleasure. Thanks for the visit and comment.
janet