:: chocolate, cheese & castles - a mini tour of switzerland ::

We have a friend, Steph, staying with us this week from England. Today was a beautiful, sunny day, so we decided to give her a little scenic tour of the area! This has been our standard tour for friends and family because it's just so beautiful (and there is the added bonus of the chocolate factory!) but it has been a while since we've done it. 

First stop... Château de Chillon, a beautiful lake-side castle near Montreux, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with over 1000 years of history. Wow, if stones could talk, these would have fascinating tales to tell, I'm sure!

 
After a little picnic lunch in the walled garden, with the company of some very friendly sparrows, we journeyed on to the Gruyère region which is famous for it's cheese. It is also home to the Cailler Chocolate factory...

Amélie & Elise had a great time picking blocks of chocolate and making little piles on the floor :o) 

After the chocolate factory, and not feeling too sick due to some suprising self-discipline in the tasting room (I've learned from previous experience!) we went on to the Gruyère village, which is an old medieval village, beautifully situated atop a hill, surrounded by the alps and lush farmland...hence the key to it's success in cheese and chocolate-making!

It was a great day...sunshine, beautiful views and chocolate! 


Now we're about to sit down for dinner and introduce Steph to the wonders of raclette :o)
Is anyone feeling the desire to come and visit??!