Paul & Lauren’s Travels

So we began our Tour of Italy.  How did we know we had arrived in the Region of Emilia - Romagna?  Why the food.  This region of Italy is known for it’s cuisine and fresh produce.  We visited the markets in Bologna, wow.  The range of produce available and the quality was amazing.  We used the town of Bologna as our base to explore the surrounding towns of Modena, Reggio Emilia.

What a perfect way to conclude our time in Switzerland.  We took a train through the Alps from Geneva to Milan, Italy.  Where we would start the next part of our journey by training from Milan to Bologna.

We were so glad that we had the hire car for Switzerland, we were able to make our way through gorgeous cities such as Geneva, Montreaux and Bern, then amble at leisure through the countryside. Being August most of Europe is on holidays which means that anywhere country is practically deserted, it almost felt like we had Switzerland to ourselves.

One moment your in France, the next a tunnel, and then suddenly you know you’re in Switzerland. This place is so photogenic but it doesn’t matter how many photos you take you just can’t show how genuinely impressive Switzerland really is. We made our into the countryside and found this gorgeous little lake surrounded on all sides by mountain, but there was more … when we stepped out of the car all was silent except for an all enveloping symphony of bells from the cows grazing on the slopes, supported only by the gentle lapping of the lake; what a moment that was.

In the town of Thiers we happened across Couterllerie Lane, the historical location of Coutellerie Lane, where the coutellerie still made here supplies 70% of the French market.  We found the Museum of Knifes were we were able to see the history and the Artisans at work.

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We were greatly looking forward to seeing the vineyards and tasting the wine of the Loire Valley.  Our favourite find was the “Domaine Du Closel, Chateau Des Vaults” in Anjou.  It was a beautiful place.  The Family dog took us on a V.I.P tour of the vineyard.  He even stopped at the gate and barked till we opened it.
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The Loire river curves its way through the Loire valley.  Chateau’s, houses and vineyards nestled around the Loire.  We found a camp site on the river. There was even a restaurant in walking distance (driving for us).

Paul enjoyed being behind the wheel of a car (although driving on the opposite side of the road was freaky).  I navigated our week’s tour around France (Paul was quite impressed).

It was lovely to be able to camp in the county.  To wake to the sound of rosters in the morning was a savored contrast to the city life.

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You’re not a king without a castle and France has no shortage of such lovely buildings, this one we found in the very scenic town of Saumur. This particular castle is one the oldest and best preserved medieval castles in France, or least that’s what the locals tell us, situated on the Loire river you could easily spend a week at a town like this.