Rosa's Yummy Yums: Town

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

AN AFTERNOON IN VEVEY

Two weeks ago, during our holidays, we had some "business" to do around the Lavaux, so as we were close to Vevey we decided to go there, walk a bit around town and the lakeside, and have lunch before taking the train back home...

Vevey is a cute little town in the canton Vaud, on the North shore of Lake Léman. It is situated between the cities of Lausanne and Montreux. This area was already inhabited around 2000 BC and remains of piloti were found there. It's Roman name was Viviscus and the ancient Greek astronomer and philosopher Ptolemy called it Ouikos. During the Middle Ages it was a station on the Via Francigena road that linked Rome to Canterbury. Later it was ruled by the bishopry of Lausanne and the Blonay family. After the Vaud Revolution in 1798, Vevey lived a period of prosperity and in the 19th century mechanical construction (ateliers mécaniques de Vevey), food (Nestlé - yuck!) and tobacco (Rinsoz & Ormond) industries were built in the area.

The old town is very pretty with it's quaint and colorful buildings and narrow alleys, and the lakeside offers on of the most gorgeously breathtaking (fully south facing) views on the surrounding Alps. It is impossible to admire the landscapes without having a gaping mouth and being amazed!

Friday, November 20, 2009

ANNECY, I LOVE THEE - PART I

Since the very first time I visited Annecy, this French little town holds a very special place in my heart. I love everything about Annecy and the more I go there, the more I want to go again. I guess you can call it love at first sight!

Not only is Annecy situated in a beautiful region (Haute-Savoie) close to Switzerland and Geneva, but it is also a special town with a cool architecture and a pleasant as well as relaxed atmosphere...