scaling the ramparts

Today we took a trip up to Murten, about 2 hours drive, and crossing out of the French speaking part of Switzerland. It was another summery day, and humid, but we enjoyed walking around the town, picnicking lakeside, and scaling the medieval ramparts for views over the tiled roofs and chimneys.

One of these things is not like the others...it's that twisted chimney!

We had fun walking through the town and the few covered portico streets. We stopped in both the French and German churches where it was cool.

Loving the striped doors and shutters.

A few parting shots before starting towards home

And just two more quick stops. After a pretty full, but leisurely day in Murten, we squeezed in a short walk through Gruyeres.

More scaling...

And a lakefront stop in colorful Vevey in time for the last bit of daylight.

Vevey's fork, and paddle boats (my big summer plans involve a paddle boat).

jura hike

It suddenly turned to summer here- so we headed up to cooler temps-up the Jura. Taking Elizabeth up to Le Reculet today! 

This is the first time I've seen the daffodils blooming up here.

The view was spectacular- you could see across the valley to many gorgeous Alpine peaks.

Check out the view:

We had some fun in lingering snow on the way back down.

The hills may have been alive...with the sound of our music and spinning.

Awww.

How better to finish off the day than with a vineyard-sunset-sushi picnic! 

sunny switzerland

Time for the annual tulip festival in Morges. Last year we saw the colorful blooms with Derek's parents and this we are here with Elizabeth. The weather has been a bit cold and rainy for the flowers, but there a still some hanging in there, and it is a beautiful display.

 We ate our picnic lunch on the lake.

 Boats and deux boules.

 A walk through town and a visit to an Audrey Hepburn tribute (She spent a lot of time around here).

Our own tribute:

Next stop, St. Prex on the way home for pizza on the terrace back in Challex.

post paris

We arrived back in Geneva last night, after a great time in Paris. Starting things off in countryside with an unexpected holiday and no way to get groceries in France. Oh, well. We had some pancakes and a nice run in the vineyards. Then a quick train trip into an appropriately drizzly day in Geneva.

A tour through old town.

Pony rides in the park.

And strolling the streets on our way to dinner.

normal

It's our last day in Paris, a new President, a final picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a few souvenirs- like my I <3 Paris t-shirt, a crazy rush to the airport, and we three are headed to Geneva- back to normal (errr actually to continue the fun). Vacation with Elizabeth part deux: Franco-Swiss adventures! au revoir, Paris.