Castles, Chocolate and Trains

Chateau de Chillon was our first stop this morning in Montreux, on the far eastern side of Lake Geneva. Surrounded by mountains, this area was a gateway to the alps. The  castle is built on a rocky island for protection. It was a good hour ride on the train. Some of the track went along the lake, so a scenic ride. When we stepped inside, I thought I was on a movie set, waiting for a knight to come riding thru. This place looks like every perfect castle scene us any movie I have ever watched. Complete with prison, area where they tortured, then threw the body out in the water, large halls, courtyards and even 800 year old toilets. It was amazing.
Hopped the bus back to the train station for our next destination. This train was a section of the Golden Passage, an older electric train the climbs thru the Prealps region. Deep valleys and Rocky peaks, high pastures and cows could be seen. Then we transferred to another electric train which took us to Broc where the Cailler Chocolate Factory is located and has been at this site since 1898. Here was the invention of milk chocolate. The tour begins with a multi-media story about the history of chocolate and then the making at this factory. They present information in many languages and you get your own personal device that you sync with the various displays. Nicely done in my opinion. You watch a production line and get a sample.At the end, they teach you how to taste chocolate with a mini bar of milk  chocolate. Once you have completed that, you get to taste an additional 8 different chocolates. Do I need to say more?
Back on the little train to Gruyeres, another medieval town perched high on a hill with the mountains in the background. Walked around the castle. Did not get there in time for the last tour, but after touring the other castle this morning, we might have been disappointed. Had a lovely dinner at an outside cafe and then the multiple train ride back to Geneva.
Tomorrow we meet up with our group and guide not start the 13 day hike across the Alps.
Pictures to follow- dealing with very slow internet.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 7, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    Love enjoying your trip with you? Keep up the great posts please! Travel safe and enjoy every minute! G.H.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 10, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    Great Blogging! I am loving every detail!! What is "Ricky Leaks"?

    ReplyDelete
  3. schmidtsadventuresSeptember 10, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Suppose to be rocky peaks

    ReplyDelete

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