A Var family on the mythical roads of the American West
Back from the American West, the Brochot family from Bormes-les-Mimosas exclusively tells La Gazette du Var about their memorable journey.
After a first attempt thwarted by the weather in 2022, the Brochot family tried their hand once again at the great American road trip adventure. A journey with a taste of revenge, but above all of celebration, organized for the parents' 20th wedding anniversary. The story of this exceptional journey, shared by their daughter Camille, paints an unforgettable picture of the landscapes and icons of the American West. The starting point of this family odyssey was San Francisco, after a flight from Nice. From there, the road led them to the natural wonders of the national parks, moving through the majestic sites of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Death Valley.
FROM NATIONAL PARKS TO THE MAGIC OF LAS VEGAS
The heart of the trip beat to the rhythm of a very special event. The most anticipated stop was Las Vegas, where the parents chose to renew their wedding vows. The ceremony took place in a legendary venue: the Graceland Chapel, famous for uniting many stars over the decades. 'Unforgettable moments: Bellagio Hotel, limousine, photographer, Justine and I official wedding witnesses,' recalls Camille, with stars still in her eyes. A glamorous and moving interlude before hitting the road again towards the great outdoors. The journey continued towards the canyons, with stops at Zion, Lake Powell, and the spectacular scenery of Monument Valley, immortalized by countless westerns.
WHEN THE WEATHER REDESIGNS THE ITINERARY
Like a nod to their 2022 trip, the elements once again played a role in their journey. Snow, surprising for the season, forced them to abandon their visit to the Grand Canyon. Far from being discouraged, the family showed their adaptability by branching off towards another American legend: Route 66. They thus traveled nearly 570 kilometers on this historic route, from Flagstaff to Barstow. This section of the road offered them a timeless stop at the famous 'Bagdad Café', where, as tradition dictates, the music from the eponymous film plays every time new visitors arrive.
HOLLYWOOD, GLITTER AND SEA LIONS OF THE PACIFIC COAST
The journey then continued towards southern California, with a stop in Palm Springs to admire the imposing statue of Marilyn Monroe, before diving into the excitement of Los Angeles. Over two intense days, the family explored the highlights of the City of Angels: Madame Tussauds wax museum, the TLC Chinese Theatre and its star handprints, the Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory offering a panoramic view of the city. For Camille, the highlight of the trip was the guided tour of Warner Bros. studios, which allowed her to discover the sets of cult series like 'Friends' or 'The Big Bang Theory'. Then heading back north along the famous Highway 1, the road trip offered breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. A stop in Carmel and Monterey was an opportunity to observe colonies of sea lions basking in the sun. The trip ended where it had begun, in San Francisco. Having already visited Alcatraz prison during a previous trip, the family focused on other iconic sites like the Coit Tower, the lively Pier 39, or the famous colorful houses of the 'Painted Ladies'. 'Another exceptional road trip with beautiful memories in my head,' concludes Camille, still under the spell of her journey! In short, the American West, with its unexpected events and its sheer scale, remains an inexhaustible source of wonder and family adventures. •
Camille BROCHOT (text and photos).