A beautiful day on the lake...

We decided to spend one of our days here taking a cruise on Lake Geneva on one of the steam paddle boats that provide service up and down the lake. We travelled on La Suisse which was built in 1910 and completely restored.

Here I am waiting to board the boat which is behind me.

Don enjoying the view from the 1st class chairs. We were told after that our SwissPass only covers 2nd class so we had to move downstairs but it was good while it lasted!

We got the boat at the Ouchy pier and headed out across the lake to Chateau de Chillon with a number of stops along the way. The lake was just gorgeous with sunny weather and beautiful views.

All along the shoreline there were terraces filled with grapes as this is a big wine producing region with this side of the lake getting lots of sun. We have tried a number of these wines and they are consistently good especially the white grapes.

So neat and tidy and so many shades of green

 

Around every corner a new view...those are the Alps in the background.

One of the boat stops...

People enjoying the sun.

Don enjoying the views.

Many families brought their lunch along as well.

 

Our final destination was the Chateau de Chillion which was built in the 12th century and is located on a small rocky island which acted both as a natural protection and a strategic location to control movement of trade from Italy in the south to France in the north.

It is located on the eastern tip of Lake Geneva about 20 miles from Lausanne. It has never been destroyed and was inhabited for many centuries by various wealthy families, in particular the Savoys. It has been used as well to be an armoury, a prison, a hospital and now a tourist attraction. It is one of Switzerland's most famous castles.

We could not believe how well preserved it was both inside and out, especially the wall art and the wooden structures.

Every castle has a moat.

One example of the wooden ceilings and the tile pattern on the walls.

Massive fireplaces kept the castle warm, look at the size of the splits!

The beautiful paintings in the chapel.

The walls and chairs in the main salon

800 year old tapestries, don't make them like this anymore.

Don checking out the 800 year old latrines.

Me checking out the views from the Tower.

Some shots of the inner courtyards and the outside views...

 

 

After we finished our tour of the Chateau we decided since it was a beautiful day we would walk back along the promenade to the town of Montreux which is an expensive resort town on the shores of the lake.

We took our time walking and taking in the lakeside sights and have to say it was one of the most beautiful places we have ever walked. It was like something out of tthe movies.

The whole way is filled with flowers and greenery...

 

The place was meticulous, thanks to many of these workers who are constantly cleaning...

A view back to the Alps across the lake...

 

The local people were out enjoying the day and we remarked that the environment here seems to be structured so that people can enjoy it.

This guy caught two fish as we went by.

 

Enjoying a talk on the bench

An older couple and their dog

What better way to spend a day with a swim and a good book.

 

We also stopped for a picnic lunch.

Crackers, Swiss cheese and French pâté.

Some of the lovely villas we passed along the way....

 

 

Lots of sculptures on the walk as well...

Including Freddy Mercury from the band Queen who made his home here before he died. I can see why a lot of celebrities live here as it seems to be Paradise for someone with lots of money.

 

We ended our time here with an Italian meal of pasta and lasagna and a local wine in a Ice Bag.

We then took the train back to Lausanne and commented that we can see why this place is called the Swiss Riveria, nice to visit but could never afford to live here!

Tomorrow we are on the way to the mountains!

 

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