Thursday, 27 December 2018

JULY 2008 : SWITZERLAND : Memories of the Via Francigena : Vevey - Montreux - Aigle (27 kms) - Martigny (35 kms)



          Days 2 and 3 - Via Francigena - Vevey - Aigle - Martigny



“I found an Internet cafe at last. We are getting into the backpacker lifestyle again. Yesterday we left the Riviera Lodge,Vevey and took a bus to neighbouring Montreux and began our walk along Lake Leman or Geneva as we know it. We are travelling with friends from Sydney, Julie and Bob, this year — great for navigation and sharing meals etc. Our first night was spent in a comfortable hostel in Vevey. Walking from Vevey we discovered a wonderful castle/chateau, Chateau de Chillon, on the lake shore - occupied since the Middle Ages and originally owned by the Savoy family. It has been renovated with fascinating wooden artefacts and tapestries. Excavations have proved that this site has been used since the Bronze Age.

Pastries for breakfast in Vevey



Chateau de Chillon



Our waymarkers


Walking into Villeneuve


Coffee stop in Villeneuve

En route from Villeneuve to Aigle



 Our second night was in Aigle in a lovely B&B with friendly hosts, who provided a sumptuous breakfast this morning.  

Arriving in Aigle



Our hosts at our Aigle B&B, Yves and Josette

Views from the B&B

Dinner in the village




 Tonight we have a cabin in a camping area in Martigny. Pleasant walking through vineyards, shady forests, along canals, villages - with delicious pastries and good coffee - no weight loss yet. 

Aigle to Massongex with views up the Rhone Valley



En route from Aigle to Massongex. Julie and I caught a local train from Massongex, to relieve my blistered feet. Local transport is excellent and frequent. Ten minutes in the train and another 6 hours for Mark and Bob on a rather circuitous route.




Martigny covered bridge

Martigny



My feet? Few sensitive spots dealt quickly by Julie and her extensive medical kit. Julie and I are saving our feet for the walk up to St Bernard on Thursday, which will be a more strenuous walk through magnificent countryside. Tomorrow is a shorter walk as well. The weather has been perfect for walking .”

M&M

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