Today was our wrap-up day, with our activities to be built around a tour of the Chateau de Chillon at the far east end of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). This fortified chateau dates back to the 12th century and has been wonderfully restored. It certainly gives you a good picture of castle life under the rule of the Savoys and the Bernese.
A real highlight was our drive from Lausanne to the Chateau, through the wine-making region of Lavaux by way the “Corniche du Lavaux” otherwise known as the wine road. This winding and extremely narrow road starts at Lutry on the road marked “Chexbres” and takes you through the villages of Cully, Vevey and Chexbres on the way to Montreux. It is hard to remember that you are in Switzerland and not in Southern France with these picturesque vineyards and homes ranging from cottages to estates. What can’t be matched is the view each vineyard enjoys, since the vines are rooted in the soil of mountains overlooking the crystal blue Lake Geneva with its Alpine background.
The picture below tells you everything you need to know about lunch. This was at a great little find in old town Villaneuve called Chez Yan. The friendly staff took the time to explain all the menu choices with names like Poires Chocolate and Citron Canelle. A 74% dark chocolate crepe with vanilla ice cream won the day, but I’m saving the lemon cinnamon version for my next trip back!
In the evening, we enjoyed throwing open the windows of our third floor room to take in the smell of summer rain, accompanied by the sounds of thunder echoing through the city streets. Another wonderful day in a beautiful European city that we will miss when we drive away tomorrow on our way to Heidelberg.
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