Presents under the tree, a lazy breakfast and then a walk to the chairlift. We are having Christmas lunch at Chateau Branlant, 500m above Courmayeur. It should be surrounded by snow but it's even been too warm for the man-made stuff. It's another fine and sunny day and 8 degrees. The Italians advertise their side of Mont Blanc as the sunny side of the mountain which it is, but just at present they really need some cold winter weather and snow. We miss the first cable car as the lady at the front of the queue can't find her money but it's only 15 minutes till the next one. As the chair lift climbs, Mont Blanc gradually appears from behind another mountain and we have a fabulous view of this very impressive peak. We have no snow to walk through and it's about a five minute walk to the restaurant. Again, it's another ristorante with loads of atmosphere. We walk up a timber spiral staircase to the first floor. I am really impressed. Many of their tables are triangular but the way they sit against the wall and each other means that four can sit very comfortably at them. We all have Italian primi (first course) followed by the baked turkey and roast vegetables. Delicious! And of course we have a bottle of Prosecco with our meal! I don't choose an Italian desert on the menu. I ask if it is possible to have vaniglia gelato. "Si, si!" A big bowl with three scoops is the perfect finish! Back home and some Swiss Cailler Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut chocolate for afternoon tea. Tis been a very pleasant Christmas Day! www.chateaubranlant.co

 

 

 

 

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