Postcards from Around the World

Prague (the city of 101 spires apparently) is an easy city to get around either by foot (always the best way to explore I think) or using the trams or underground systems. We were staying a little outside the main areas of the Old Town and the Lesser Town  in the Malmaison Riverside Hotel which is practically opposite the famous ‘Fred and Ginger’ or Dancing House.

The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava river
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is the most vibrant, dynamic area of Prague with the National Theatre rising imposingly behind the statue of Saint Wenceslas.
View from Ke Hradu (the long slope up to the castle)

Walking through the Old Town you realise why Prague is often called ‘Paris of the East’ with its charming winding streets, medieval architecture and cultural landmarks. As you can tell from my photos, the weather wasn’t great during my visit (which was in the month of October), but nor was the place too busy.

So many spires!

Postcards from Around the World

If you do visit Montreux, Switzerland then don’t spend all your time along the lakeside, beautiful though it is. A ten minute climb up above the lake you will find the Old Town with cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and panoramic views (even better when the fog isn’t hiding the Alps) and plenty of bistros for a coffee or glass of wine.

Don’t forget to look out for the many fountains fed by natural spring water, often with beautiful floral displays.

The streets and buildings boast steep winding lanes and pastel-painted houses. Stop at Montreux Museum for insight into town history.

Rue du Pont
Rue du Pont
Rue du Pont

Continue above the Old Town along Rue du Petit Chêne and you will find yourself among grape vines.

Views from the vineyard above Montreux
Grape Vines

From here you can walk to the  St. Vincent temple where the views are also magnificent with Chillon Castle along the lakeside and yet more vineyards on the steep slopes.

St Vincent in the distance
Vineyards
Castle Chillon in the fog
St Vincent

The Old City is also the departure of beautiful walks. The trail to the wild Gorges du Chauderon leads along the Baye de Montreux River to Glion or Les Avants.

And since this was actually a walk I will link to Jo’s Monday Walks

Postcards from Around the World

Taking a leisurely 40 minute CGN boat from Vevey, admiring the beautiful homes and hotels on the hillside above Lac Léman, we arrived at Chateau Chillon.

Built on a rocky island it took its name from the rock; the word ‘Chillon’ meant ‘rocky platform’ in an ancient language.

The history of the castle is marked by three great periods: those of the Savoy family (12th – 16th centuries), the Bernese bailiffs (16th – 18th centuries) and the Canton of Vaud (18th century to present day).

Chillon is unusual in that the shape of the castle moulds to the shape of the island on which it is built. It is connected to the land by a bridge (formerly a drawbridge, the remains of whose pulley system can still be seen).

There are several courtyards and many rooms to explore the history of the castle.

Furniture, Weapons and Armoury, Paintings and Murals, Architectural features and archaeological findings are some of the objects in the collections.

A full self-guiding tour takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on how fast you walk and how much reading you do. Castle of Chillon is the result of several centuries of constant building, adaptations, renovations and restorations with excavations affirming this site has been occupied since the Bronze Age.

Postcards from Around the World

(From Vevey-Marché (lac) we caught a ferry boat to the Castle of Chillon which is at the far side of Montreux)

Vevey Plage

Taking a ferry on Lac Leman is the best way to view the beautiful houses and architecture along the shoreline.

Floral displays on every one of the ferry terminals.

Montreux Ferry Terminal
Freddie Mercury
Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Hôtel Eden Palace Au Lac

A glimpse of the hotels in Montreux and the famous statue of Queen singer, Freddie Mercury.

“If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux”, said Freddie Mercury (1946-1991). As well as living in Montreux, he also recorded six albums there with Queen, including “Made in Heaven”. In memory of his presence, Freddie Mercury’s bronze statue has stood on the lakeside promenade since 1996.

Château de Chillon

And a unique way to arrive at our destination.