Briancon and Puy Saint Vincent

This morning we got on the train for another day of traveling. We were even at the train station ahead of schedule. No last second boarding this time around.  With only one connection in Turin, we made it from La Spezia to Oulx in about 5 hours. From there, we got on a bus that took us to Briancon, just west of the French-Italian border. By this time we were officially in the Alps, winding through the mountain side with an incredible view of the small villages down below. 

In Briancon, we were met by Nathalie's parents, who would take us the rest of the way to their chalet in the village of Puy Saint Vincent. Before completing the final leg of our journey, they took us through old Briancon, a walled city from the 17th century, complete with a dry moat, draw bridge, and portcullis. It doesn't get much cooler than that. 

The main street running through the city still has a functioning irrigation system running right through it's center, as a means to quickly extinguish any fires. 

The city overlooked the valley below, and the view from the top of the wall is incredible. 

The drive to Puy Saint Vincent was another half an hour or so up into the mountains. Caroline and her kids were already there, whereas the Poulain family wasn't expected to arrive until later that night. 

For dinner, we returned to the traditional French fare we have grown to love, starting with a cheese and tomato tart, followed by a charcuterie plate and salad, a cheese plate, and chocolate cake for dessert. 

After dinner, while waiting for the Poulain crew to arrive, we sampled a drink made in the alps called Genipe, a strong but sweet liqueur that warms your insides. 

Tomorrow, we are making everyone pancakes with real maple syrup for breakfast, and then possibly doing some form of rock climbing. Should be a great weekend!