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Switzerland & France
  • Bruce Hassold
  • Stacy Hassold
  • Bruce Hassold
  • Stacy Hassold

Switzerland & France

A 16-day adventure by Bruce & Stacy Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 13, 2023
    Switzerland & France

    We're off to Zurich!

    October 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Today, we flew from Portland to Zurich with a layover in snowy Reykjavik. There was just enough time in Reykjavik to clear customs and grab some skyr for breakfast.

  • Switzerland & France
    Zurich
    Shops along the Limmat RiverPedestrian shopping streetHonold ChocolatesA colorful fabric storeSt. Peter's Church

    Arriving in Zurich

    October 14, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌧 55 °F

    We arrived in Zurich mid afternoon. We took the train from the airport to downtown and made our way to our hotel to check in. After a shower and a change of clothes, we had an early pizza dinner at the hotel and then set off to explore the city.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Limmat River, Zurich
    Rapperswil1RapperswilKatholische Pfarrkirche St. JohannKatholische Pfarrkirche St. JohannSchloss RapperswilLake ZurichRapperswil Rose GardenAlp FoothillsArriving in the Alps

    From Zurich to Rapperswil

    October 15, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Today, we went on a day tour from Zurich to Heidiland and Liechtenstein. The first stop was the village of Rapperswil at the eastern end of Lake Zurich. We toured St. John's Catholic church, visited the castle, and walked through the rose gardens. After a delicious lunch of mushroom soup, fresh bread, and salad, we continued on into the alps toward Heidiland.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Welcome to Heidiland!Heidi's home12Heidi's home

    Heidiland

    October 15, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    The Heidiland village, or Heididorf, is situated in the small town of Maienfeld in the Swiss Alps. It's the setting for the beloved children's story of Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

  • Switzerland & France
    Schloss Vaduz, Liechtenstein
    LiechtensteinVaduzVaduz RathausVaduzLiechtensteinCrossing the Rhine River between Switzerland and Liechtenstein

    Liechtenstein

    October 15, 2023 in Liechtenstein ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    Liechtenstein is a small principality located in the alps between Switzerland and Austria. It's roughly 60 square miles and has a population of approximately 40,000. We briefly visited the capital city of Vaduz. The castle of the royal family, Schloss Vaduz, is situated high on the hills overlooking the capital city.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Lake Zurich
    Löwenkmal at Hafen Enge Marina. The lion is a symbol of the city of Zurich.Hafen Enge Marina1Zurich Viewpoint1GrossmünsterFraumünsterMural at Fraumünster CloisterMural at Fraumünster CloisterMural at Fraumünster CloisterFraumünster Cloister

    Zurich City Tour

    October 16, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F

    Today, we joined a Zurich city tour for an overview of the city. We visited the marina at Lake Zurich, a panoramic viewpoint, and walked through the old town. The murals in the cloister of Fraumünster church were beautiful.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    111

    Lindt Home of Chocolate

    October 16, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    The second half of our tour included a cruise on Lake Zurich and a tour of the Lindt chocolate factory in Kilchberg. The museum featured the history of chocolate production in Switzerland and lots of free samples.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Sunset over the Limmat River and Old Town Zurich
    A cruise on Lake ZurichSearching for the best chocolate!Zurich Stadhaus1Fondue dinnerFondue dinnerSunset in Old Town1Sunset in Old Town1Streetcars traveling along Bahnhofstrasse

    Evening in Zurich

    October 16, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    This evening, we enjoyed a casual stroll through the old town with a stop for a delicious fondue dinner. The sunset was beautiful, and it was wonderful to see the city lights as the sun went down.

  • Switzerland & France
    Arc de Triomphe
    Boarding the Lyria TGV to ParisAboard the TGVFirst stop in Paris...crepes!Arc de TriompheAvenue de Champs-ÉlyséesAvenue de Champs-ÉlyséesPlace de la ConcordePlace de la ConcordeEiffel TowerAboard the Lyria TGV

    Bienvenue à Paris!

    October 17, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    This morning, we boarded the Lyria TGV (train à grande vitesse) high-speed train from Zurich to Paris. It reaches a top cruising speed of 168 Mph (270 Kph). After arriving in Paris, we took the metro into downtown and dropped our bags at the hotel. We had a few hours to explore before returning to the hotel for an orientation meeting with our tour director. Tomorrow, we leave Paris and travel via Chartres to Saint-Malo.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Chartres Cathedral
    Chartres CathedralThe Incarnation (center), Passion & Ascension (left), Tree of Jesse (right)The West Rose Window - The Last JudgementThe South Rose Window - The ApocalypseThe Blue Virgin Window (left)Adoration of the Magi depicted in the stone choir curtain

    Chartres Cathedral

    October 18, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, was constructed between 1194-1220. Four earlier cathedrals, the first of which dates to the 4th century, were all destroyed by fire.

    Legend has it that in the 800s the church acquired the Sancta Camisa, the tunic said to have been worn by Mary at the time of Jesus's birth. Because of this holy relic, the church became a popular pilgrimage site.

    The 167 stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral are the most complete group surviving anywhere from the Middle Ages. Several windows date to the mid-12th century while over 150 survive from the early 13th century.    Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    A narrow cobblestone shopping street with St. Vincent's Cathedral in the distance
    A city gateBeautiful cobblestone streetsSt. Vincent's CathedralSt. Vincent's CathedralCommemoration of the departure of Jacques Cartier on the floor of Saint-Vincent CathedralSt. Vincent's CathedralKouign Amman!On our way to dinnerAfter sunset

    Arriving in Saint-Malo

    October 18, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 64 °F

    We arrived in Saint-Malo in the early evening, and after checking into our hotel, we set off to explore and to find a restaurant for dinner. We stopped briefly at St. Vincent's Cathedral to admire the beautiful interior. After dinner, we walked the streets, looking in clothing stores and pastry shops on our way back to the hotel.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Basilique Saint-Sauveur
    The City WallsBeautiful cobblestone streetsStopping to smell the flowers!Inside Basilique Saint-SauveurStained glass window honoring the heroic French knight Bertrand du GuesclinA stained glass window honoring the four evangelists and four saints of BrittanyView toward the river RanceEnjoying galette-saucisse at the city market

    Dinan

    October 19, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 59 °F

    Today, we visited Dinan, a town in Brittany known for its medieval ramparts, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful interior of Baselique Saint-Sauveur and its English style gardens. We had time to explore the city market and enjoy a local snack of galette-saucisse for lunch.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Dinard
    The Côte d'Émeraude, emerald coastThe view toward Saint-Malo

    Dinard

    October 19, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    This afternoon, we made a brief stop in the city of Dinard situated on the Côte d'Émeraude, or emerald coast, of Brittany. Dinard is regarded as one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in France. From the shoreline, there is a beautiful view across the bay toward Saint-Malo.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    View of Saint-Malo from Grand-Bé
    The town hallThe Royal Fort of Louis XIV, now known as the National FortThe city rampartsThe city rampartsThe city coat-of-arms. 24 Mastiff watchdogs guarded outside the city walls after nightfall.A cheese shop in the Old townWalking to Grand-Bé at low tideThe fort on Petite-Bé at low tide (but not quite low enough to cross!)

    Walking tour of Saint-Malo

    October 19, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    We returned to Saint-Malo in the late afternoon and joined our guide for a walk inside the walls of the old city. We took a short walk along the city ramparts, and at low tide, we took a walk to the Grand-Bé and Petite-Bé islands.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Mont Saint-Michele
    Hotel de Ville (town hall)Church-Abbey Saint-MicheleThe CloisterThe NaveThe Study where monks worked copying manuscriptsThe ramparts

    Mont Saint-Michele

    October 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    According to a legend, the archangel Michael appeared in 708 in a dream to Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet of Mont Tombe. Twice, he ignored the dream, so Michael touched his head during a third dream, and Aubert finally believed. Over the years, Mont Saint-Michele was expanded and rebuilt numerous times, and it has consistently been a destination for pilgrims who risked the dangerous rtdes and quicksand to visit the abbey. Today, twelve monks still serve in the church-abbey and perform mass three times each day.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    The city flag above the town hall
    A stop for pastriesToo many delicious optionsA swimming pool that fills with the tideWalking the rampartsSailboats in the bayThe harborA view toward St. Vincent's Cathedral

    Walking the Ramparts of Saint-Malo

    October 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    This afternoon, we walked the city ramparts and had one last chance to take in the beautiful sights of the city. There were stops for pastries, shopping, and to end the day a delicious dinner of fish and chips accompanied by beer from a local microbrewery.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Château de Fougères
    Château de Fougères (foreground) and the village of Fougères (above)The main gate. Tour de Guémadeuc, Tour de La-Haye-Saint-Hilaire, and Tour du Hallay (Left to Right)The four water millsThe village of FougèresA trebuchet in the inner courtyardTour de Plesguen and Tour de la Trémoille (right) form the Barbican, a trap with a floodable moat.Église Saint-Sulpice de FougèresView toward Tour des Gobelins (far right)Tour Raoul (left) and Tour Surriene (right)

    Château de Fougères

    October 21, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    Today, we stopped at Château de Fougères on our drive to Le Havre. The castle is strategically situated at the historic border of Brittany, Normandy, and France. The original castle was built in the mid 12th century by Raoul II, Lord of Fougères with expansions and additional towers constructed during the 13th-15th century. It is the largest medieval fortress in Europe, with a total of 13 towers. It was the site of numerous battles in the 11th-15th centuries known as the Breton Marches.Read more

  • Switzerland & France

    Nancy's Here!

    October 21, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 55 °F

    We made it safely to Le Havre and boarded the AmaDante around 4:30pm, and Nancy arrived just an hour later. There were lots of hugs and excited voices. These sisters truly love each other, and it's exciting that they'll be able to enjoy this adventure together!Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Omaha Beach
    The original cemetery on Omaha Beach"The Brave" sculpture: Wings of Hope, Rise Freedom, Wings of Fraternity"The Brave"Omaha Breach with Pointe du Hoc in the distance (American Troops)"Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves"The Walls of the Missing, inscribed with 1557 names

    Omaha Beach & Normandy American Cemetery

    October 22, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    This morning, we set off to visit the Normandy Beaches, the site of the allied forces' amphibious landing that began the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany and led to the end of WWII.

    Our first stop was Omaha Beach, which, along with Utah Beach, was assigned to the American forces.

    We also toured the Normandy American Cemetery, the final resting place of so many young men who gave their lives to ensure our freedom.    Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    The German gun battery of Lounges-Sur-Mer
    The German gun battery of Lounges-Sur-MerThe German gun battery of Lounges-Sur-MerGold Beach with partial remnants of Mulberry Harbor (British troops)A model of Mulberry Harbor (Port Winston)ArromanchesArromanches

    Gold Beach

    October 22, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Our next stop was Gold Beach, which was assigned to the British forces. On the cliffs above the beach stand the remains of the German gun battery of Lounges-Sur-Mer. The guns were neutralized quickly by advanced scouting that enabled a massive but precise artillery bombardment.

    Along the coast of Gold Beach, the British constructed an enormous breakwater by sinking concrete structures and old ships. They then built Mulberry Harbor to facilitate the unloading of heavy equipment that supported the expanding beachhead and the push deeper into France. The harbor was affectionately nicknamed Port Winston after one of the chief designers, Winston Churchill.    Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Juno Beach (Canadian troops)
    Caen WWII Memorial Museum

    Juno Beach & Caen WWII Memorial Museum

    October 22, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    Our next stop was Juno Beach, which was assigned to the Canadian forces. In this location, marshlands rather than cliffs were the primary geographic challenge. Uniquely designed tanks were used to clear paths from the beach. One version could unroll tracks ahead of itself so it wouldn't get bogged down in the marshes. Another would thrash the ground with cables to detonate landmines.

    The final stop of the day was the WWII Memorial Museum in Caen. There was an extensive exhibit of the Normandy invasion, but also rooms dedicated to other aspects of the war, including the political climate, propaganda, the holocaust, weaponry, and military strategy. There was also an intact German bunker that served as the command center for Nazi forces in the Normandy region.    Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    Abbey of Saint-Étienne (St. Stephen), also known as Abbaye aux Hommes (men's abbey)
    Château CaenWilliam Duke of Normandy's Reception HallCaenAbbey of Saint-Étienne (St. Stephen)The Tomb of William the ConquerorThe Caen soccer club, The Conquerors

    Caen

    October 23, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Our first stop today was the city of Caen. We visited Château Caen, the medieval fortress and home of William the Conqueror. Then we visited his tomb in The Abbey of Saint-Étienne (St. Stephen), also known as Abbaye aux Hommes (men's abbey). This abbey, along with the smaller Abbaye aux Dames (ladies abbey) were built by William as a consolation to Pope Leo IX who disapproved of his marriage to Matilda of Flanders due to their relationship as third cousins.Read more

  • Switzerland & France
    The Battle of Hastings, 1066
    Harold sees Halley's Comet and interprets it to be a bad omen of his betrayal of WilliamWilliams fleet arrives in EnglandWilliam's knights arrayed for battleWilliam's knights lead the charge into battle while archers provide covering fireThe Bayeux Tapestry MuseumBayeux CathedralColorful streets in BayeuxBayeuxReturning to our ship, the AmaDante

    Bayeux

    October 23, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    The Bayeux tapestry depicts the struggle for power between William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson, England’s last Anglo-Saxon king. The scenes conclude with William’s successful invasion of England in 1066 and his victory at the Battle of Hastings, which earned him the British crown and the nickname William the Conqueror. The tapestry is 230 feet long and is amazing for having survived the Hundred Years' War, the French Revolution, WWI, and WWII.Read more

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