We had a rather special walk today, around the northern shore of Lake Geneva through Montreux and Vevey and on through the Lavaux vineyards.
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| The north-eastern shore of Lake Geneva - scene of today's walk |
The path out of Villeneuve hugged the shore. We set off under overcast skies, heading for the Château de Chillon.
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| Leaving Villeneuve along the lake |
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| There were wonderful vistas all day as we followed the lake |
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| The clouds were low among the mountains. Rain had been forecast, but we largely avoided it. |
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| Lake Geneva seemed an inviting place for an Australian long-distance walker to have a paddle |
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| Look, over there. The Château de Chillon |
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| The views around Lake Geneva kept the photographers busy all day |
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| Overnight rain had created some photogenic puddles on the path |
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| Approaching the Château de Chillon |
Apparently the Château de Chillon is Switzerland's most visited historic monument. We didn't visit it this time, but we did pass plenty of tourists as we walked on by.
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| Walking past the Château de Chillon |
We continued along the lake towards Montreux. Lakeside flower plantings and a series of artworks line this section of the shore.
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| Australian long-distance walker pausing on the way to Montreux |
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| Artwork by the lake |
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| Lakeside flower plantings on the way to Montreux |
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| More lakeside flower plantings on the way to Montreux |
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| Salut les Amoureux on the way to Montreux |
Montreux was bustling as we passed through. Today was the first day of this year's Montreux Jazz Festival, and preparations were in full swing. Music stages were being assembled, and food, drink and retail stalls were gearing up for the festivities.
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| Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux |
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| Australian long-distance walkers at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Other international visitors over the next couple of weeks include Norah Jones, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan and Lionel Richie |
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| Montreux |
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| The Via Alpina, a long-distance walking path that crosses Switzerland, has one end in Montreux. The start/finish point is marked with an apt quote by Goethe. |
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| Unisex? toilet facilities being installed for the jazz festival |
We continued on towards Vevey. The path diverged onto the main road for a couple of kilometres, but mostly stayed by the lake.
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| On from Montreux |
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| Through La Tour-de-Peilz to Vevey |
Arriving in Vevey, we indulged in another of our "then and now" series.
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| Future Australian long-distance walker enjoying a moment with Charlie, Vevey, June 2006 |
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| Australian long-distance walker enjoying a moment with Charlie, Vevey, June 2023 |
We stopped for lunch by the lake in Vevey, then staged another nostalgic photo shoot.
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| Lake Geneva at Vevey |
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| Australian long-distance walkers enjoying lunch at the lake in Vevey |
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| Future Australian long-distance walker at the National Photography Museum, Vevey, June 2006 |
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| Australian long-distance walker at the National Photography Museum, Vevey, June 2023 |
From Vevey, we left the lake to walk through the world heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards.
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| Through the Lavaux vineyards - a wonderful finish to a special day's walk |
We checked in to our accommodation in the vineyards after what had been a very special day's walk.
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| Day 75 - Birds |
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| Day 75 - Elevation Profile |
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| Day 75 - Route |
Day: 75
Distance: 27.55 km
Walking time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Elevation gain: 580 metres
Cumulative distance: 1,634.74
Switzerland distance: 555.94
Switzerland chocolate consumption: 37 blocks
Poem of the Day:
CHÂTEAU DE CHILLON
Bold, imposing, striking
Timeless turrets soar
Valued view for centuries
Island by the shore
As you wander, hiking
By Vaud's historic core
Potter past the walls and learn
Of its past of peace and war
If you take a liking
To the castle and its lore
Be satisfied: its rich renown
Will last forevermore.
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| Special bonus picture - Day 75 - More birds |
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