Immersed in the Alps

Today we're stopping in Gruyères, then continuing on to Chamonix. Don't worry about needing to stop at the French border, but make sure you pack your passport or identity card as ID.

Chocolate lovers may already know that Swiss chocolate is unique because it uses milk from alpine cows that roam at higher altitudes and eat mountainside flowers and herbs. In the heart of the alps, you can visit Maison Cailler which is the oldest Swiss chocolate brand still operating. In fact, it was the Cailler family that invented milk chocolate back in 1875. Take a tour of the chocolate museum, savour different flavours in a tasting and buy your favourites at the boutique at the end.
Book your tickets in advance and double check seasonal opening hours on the Maison Cailler website.
1 April — 31 October Monday — Sunday: 10:00-18:00

Chocolate isn't the only delicious treat benefiting from alpine dairies — there are more than 450 types of Swiss cheese. Gruyère cheese comes form the town of the same name and at La Maison du Gruyère, a multisensorial exhibition walks you through the production process. In the morning, you can usually see cheese being made on the factory floor.
You can park nearby at Gruyères - Parking P3.
Check admission prices online.
June — September Monday — Sunday: 09:00-18:30
October — May Monday — Sunday: 09:00-18:00

After learning all about the cheesemaking process, it's time to indulge in some cheesy dishes for lunch. The menu at restaurant Gruyère Traditions Switzerland features fondu, macaroni and cheese, quiches and cheese platters to share.
Reserve your table online.
Monday — Sunday: 08:00-23:00

On arrival at Chamonix, check into Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré. This hotel has the atmosphere of a cosy log cabin but with the modern amenities of a three-star hotel.

There's more to Chamonix than just ski fields. Follow a hiking trail from Parking du Grépon to the Dard waterfall which cascades from a height of 20 metres down the rocky mountain wall. The round trip is 6.6 kilometres and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.
Trail information can be found on the official Chamonix Mont-Blanc website.

Chef of 20 years Sanna Jansson has developed a menu that incorporates international flavours into classic French cooking. Her approach to cooking is exemplified in the dish chicken cooked with galangal, lemongrass, lime and coriander, served with sushi rice
Book your table using the form on the Bizes website.
Monday — Sunday: 18:30-22:00

Before heading to bed, relax next to the fireplace in the communal lounge then take a glass of wine up to your room's balcony and admire the view of Mont Blanc.