From Switzerland to Ireland

Our annual family holiday started off with a drive from our home in Switzerland, bound for the emerald isles of Ireland. Accompanied by our two dogs Awen and Nessy, our two adventurous Border Collies, our journey was set to be as scenic as it was memorable.

Our first major stop was the majestic Château de Chambord in France. Nestled in the Loire Valley, this Renaissance marvel is not just a castle but a masterpiece of French architecture, boasting a complex roofscape and distinctive French Renaissance layout. We stayed at a charming small hotel right on the property, which felt like stepping back in time. The grounds offered plenty of space for Awen and Nessy to explore, while we captured the castle's grandeur in our photographs, each angle revealing more of its historical splendor.

As we continued our journey towards the coast, we reached the iconic Mont St. Michel. Timing could not have been more dramatic; a thunderstorm rolled in, casting a moody veil over this medieval sanctuary. The ominous clouds and occasional lightning strikes created a perfect backdrop for some truly atmospheric shots of the towering abbey, isolated by the tidal bay.

Our last stop in France was Cherbourg, where we boarded the ferry to Ireland. Thankfully, the ferry offered a pet-friendly cabin, allowing us to stay with our dogs throughout the crossing. Awen and Nessy seemed to enjoy the boat ride, their noses twitching with the salty sea breeze as we watched the French coast slowly fade away.Read more