Tag Archives: France

2022 in Review

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2022 was definitely a year of travel! My first trip was in late Jan/Feb for almost a month in Honolulu, Oahu. Although I went by myself, I had lined up a few dates through online dating and also went to a couple of Meetup.com happy hours. It was a nice escape from the winter here in Northern Kentucky.

I left in early April for almost three months in Europe, 5 countries, 21 accommodations, with 18 day trips. It was a trip of a lifetime! When you travel solo, you tend to meet people more easily. I met a man at the beach in Mykonos, Greece and had dinner with him, a man and his family from a Facebook Europe travel group in Colmar, France, another lady from the same group in Colmar, France, and was invited to a friend’s country home in Chania, Greece.

I started in Rome for six nights with day trips to Tivoli and Orvieto. (Photo at Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy)

I traveled by train most of the time. Next I spent seven nights in Spoleto with day trips to Perugia, Assisi, and Spello. (Photo in the town of Spello)

My next destination was Florence where I spent eight nights with day trips to Siena (photo below), Lucca, and San Gimignano.

With nine nights in Paris, I was able to take day trips to Rouen, Versailles, Chartres, and Troyes (photo below).

Rouen shown below

During my five nights in Tours, France I took a shuttle bus to see some amazing Chateaus: Villandry (the gardens)…

Azay-Le-Rideau…

Cheverny…

Amboise, Chambord, Clos Luce, and Chenonceau.

I also had my hair colored/cut and had a spectacular 90 minute massage!

The seven nights I spent in Colmar, France were some of my favorite. It’s a magical place.

I took day trips to five quaint towns surrounding Colmar: Riquewihr, Kayserberg-Vignoble, Ribeauville, Equesheim, and Turckheim.

I also took a day trip from Colmar to Strasbourg, which I loved!

I began my time in Germany with five nights in Freiburg Im Breisgau (Black Forest) with day trips to a couple of area lakes. My Airbnb host let me borrow her bicycle which I rode often. I also went to a day spa with indoor/outdoor mineral pools.

Next, I made the journey through towns along the Romantic Road and spent one night each in Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuhl (photo below), Noerdlingen and Augsburg.

The last stop was in Fuessen for two nights. The Neuschwanstein Castle is located here. The first photo was taken while on the uphill walk to the castle…

I flew from Munich to Mykonos where I spent four nights.

Then took a ferry to Santorini for three nights.

To finish my Greek Islands experience, I flew to Chania, Crete, and spent three glorious days.

Next up was Switzerland…I flew to Zurich, took the train to Lucerne and spent two nights.

I backtracked and spent three nights at Lake Como, visiting Varenna, Menaggio and Belaggio (photo below).

I spent eight additional nights in Switzerland and discovered it’s my favorite European country! The hiking is amazing!

Took the Bernina Express Scenic train to St. Moritz for two nights. (Photo taken from a hike)

Took the Glacier Express Scenic train to Zermatt for two nights. (Photo taken from a hike)

Spent four nights in Lauterbrunnen (Photo taken from a hike)

In September I took a 10 day road trip through Michigan, Traverse City, Taquamenon Falls State Park, Marquette, Munising in the Upper Peninsula, and Mackinac Island. My dear friend Sherry joined me for the UP and Mackinac. (Photo: Pictured Rocks Boat Tour)

In October, a friend and I drove to the Smoky Mountains and hiked for a couple of days.

Finally, in December I found an inexpensive ($160 including luggage) flight to St. Petersburg, Florida and rented a beautiful Airbnb for 10 days. A new girlfriend joined me for part of the trip.

The holidays are rough for me since my husband and only child passed away a few years ago. I don’t contemplate suicide like I used to. I’m getting used to living alone. On Christmas Day I had brunch with my brother and his wife and then went to a get-together at a girlfriend’s home.

A few other things to note: I had my bathrooms and kitchen remodeled and after a six month break from online dating, joined five sites and have gone on too many first dates to remember 🙂 I also joined a health club and have been working out pretty regularly.

I’m writing this on my deceased son’s birthday. We named his Justin, because he was born Just-in time for the new year. I miss him so much. I’ve been invited to go out this evening, but I’ve decided to stay home.

I’m looking forward to a trip I planned to Mexico City for the month of February. I’ve always gone to beaches when I’ve visited Mexico, so this will be a nice change.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Day trip from Colmar, France to Strasbourg

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It was mid-May and a beautiful day when I was in Colmar for a week stay, so I decided last minute to take the train to Strasbourg (I had never visited). It was only a 30 minute ride and I had a 3 month Eurail pass.

I explored some before heading to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. I paid €8 to climb 332 steps to the top for amazing views!

Back down on the ground

More friendly shop keepers

The train station in Strasbourg is very unique. At night it’s transparent, although I have only seen pictures of it at night.

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Fairytale towns to visit on the Alsace Wine Route

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While researching places to visit on my 11 week solo adventure through Europe, I discovered the quaint town of Colmar and the nearby Fairytale towns on the Alsace Wine Route. During my week-long stay in Colmar, I visited six of them utilizing the hop-on-hop-off shuttle called Kutzig. It’s only €17 for all day.

I visited Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Turckheim, Equisheim, and Munster in two days.

The Kutzig hop-on/hop-off van

Each village was magical, but my favorites were Kayserberg, Equisheim, Ribeauville, and Riquewihr.

People (and pet) watching is fun…

Flowers…

We passed lots of vineyards…

Sidewalk cafes were abundant…

I had a delicious burger in Turckheim. My first since leaving home six weeks earlier.

Back in Colmar, I purchased some wine and pastries. I didn’t gain weight, but I didn’t lose any either.

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Seven nights in Colmar, France

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It was mid-May when I left my place in Tours, France at 10 am, walked 10 minutes to the train station and took the 10:44 am train from Tours. I changed trains twice and arrived in Colmar at 3:20 pm. It was a 10 minute walk to my Airbnb, but the owner came to pick me up, which was very nice. She had a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator for me and was just so warm and friendly. As you can see from the photos my Airbnb was cute and situated right in town but on a quiet street. (Plus she did my laundry for €10)

I fell in love with Colmar! There’s a photo op every 3 steps and filled with the half-timbered architecture I love.

My Airbnb host let me borrow her bicycle so one day I bicycled 15 miles round trip along a canal called the Canal de Colmar. It was peaceful being out in nature, listening to the bullfrogs croak, the birds chirp, and admiring the pretty yellow flowers (some would call them weeds) lining the trail. There were some cyclists out and I saw an occasional farmer in the fields and men fishing. It was flat and there were some concrete benches along the trail.

My little Airbnb

To save money, I like to occasionally cook so it’s nice to have a kitchen.

Dinner out one evening…Char Filet, Butter Sauce, Vegetables

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Gardens in Tours, France

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On one of my five days in Tours I walked from my Airbnb to the Prébendes d’Oé and Jardin botanique de Tours Gardens. Prébendes d’Oé Garden was very small, but pretty and Jardin botanique de Tours Garden is a free Botanical Garden and mini Zoo.

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Château de Chenonceau

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While in Tours, France, I took two tours with a company called Touraine Evasion to see Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord Chateaus. These are photos of Chateau de Chenonceau.

To visit the Chateau, you walk on this beautiful tree lined path…

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Château de Cheverny and Château du Clos Lucé

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While in Tours, France, I took two tours with a company called Touraine Evasion to see Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord Chateaus. The first five photos are of Cheverny (one of my favorites) and the remainder of Clos Lucé.

As you can see, the Chateau was decorated for Easter.

Clos Lucé wasn’t as spectacular as the others, but it was very interesting. It was Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. In 1516, the he accepted an invitation from King Francis I and settled in France. From Rome, he brought with him his notebooks and 3 of his major works (the Mona Lisa, St Anne and St John the Baptist), which are now kept in the Louvre. He passed away 3 years later.

The gardens are filled with his inventions and is very educational.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Chateau Royal d’Amboise and Chateau de Chambord

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While in Tours, France, I took two tours with a company called Touraine Evasion to see Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord Chateaus. If you missed the first two listed you’ll find them here. These first five photos are of Amboise and the remainder of Chambord.

Unfortunately, Chateau de Chambord was being renovated and had scaffolding surrounding it.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Azay le Rideau and Villandry Chateaus

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While in Tours, France, I took two tours with a company called Touraine Evasion to see Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord Chateaus. I had tried to make reservations with a different company called Acco Dispo Excursions (they have the best reviews), but they weren’t able to book me although I reached out months in advance. I think because I was only one person. Anyway, these are photos of Azay le Rideau and Villandry Chateaus.

The first four photos are Azay le Rideau.

We only toured the gardens at Villandry Chateau, but they were stunning!

p.s.  If you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

5 nights in Tours, France

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I decided to have a taxi pick me up through the FreeNow app (it’s not free) for the ride to the Montparnasse train station for my departure from Paris to Tours.

The train ride was only 70 mins. and reached speeds of 300 km per hr. I couldn’t check in or leave my bags at the Airbnb in Tours until 4pm, which I knew about ahead of time, and they didn’t have storage facilities at the train station, so I found an app called Nannybag, reserved a spot at a library which was a 10 min. walk from the train station in Tours and lugged it there so I could explore.

Then I stopped to have lunch and went to a hair salon for a new doo.

Tours also has half-timbered architecture.

After all of the walking I’d done in the past five weeks, I decided to have a massage (my masseur below) and it was wonderful…90 minutes of heaven!

I had to try some escargot. It had been at least 30 years since I’d had them.

I’m usually not one for sweets, but the french pastries were just as good as the Italian ones.

I explored the Les Halles de Tours (the foodie market) and purchased some Vouvray wine, Brandade de Morue (for lunch), and some pastries.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Day trip from Paris to Versailles, France

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My day trip from Paris to Versailles was difficult. I’ve had some traumatic life-altering events in the last few years and don’t do well with crowds. Trying to capture photos without people’s heads popping up in the bottom of the photo and dodging people in the garden, in the subways, and on the streets wore me out, not to mention it was another 8 mile walking day. I had been doing this for almost a month with a day break here and there and only averaging 5 hours of sleep a night with a nap every couple of days. But I was determined to capture some of the opulence and beauty.

The gardens were magnificent. I should’ve rented a golf cart.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Day trip from Paris to Rouen, France

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Rouen, France was my favorite town of the four day trips I did. It’s located 90 minutes by train from Paris. I had a pre-planned walking route but veered off of it often.

I love the half-timbered architecture. It’s like a storybook town. Some times I purposely want people in my photos to give perspective.

You can tell this lady liked that I wanted a photo of her cute doggie.

My pasta salmon lunch was delicious!

If you choose any town to visit from Paris, and are taking the train, I definitely recommend Rouen.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Day trip from Paris to Chartres, France

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Located 75 minute by train from Paris, Chartres, France is a great option as a day trip from Paris. The countryside was pretty to view from the train.

I love street murals.

This park reminded me of a Monet painting.

Reflections are magical.

The Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral is massive.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

Day trip from Paris to Troyes, France

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Located 1 hr. 45 mins. by train from Paris, Troyes, France is another wonderful city to visit. It’s also filled with half-timber architecture.

Local fishermen…

I believe every city had a carousel…

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.

9 Nights in Paris

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I had visited Paris for one night back in the late 70’s when I was in the military and once more for a week when I took my niece in 2007. It hadn’t changed much, other than the metros seemed a little seedier, but I had changed a lot. I purchased a 7-day Navigo pass (you need to have a passport photo for it) that covered all forms of transport within a certain area and is the best value for your money. I visited most of the main sites a tourist goes to…the Eiffel Tower

Sacre Coeur

The Louvre Museum

Don’t remember the name of this bridge

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

I had to try the croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich)

The rue Crémieux, know as the most colorful street in Paris

The expressions of the people are interesting…

I forget where I was when I took this photo

Luxembourg Gardens should definitely be on your list of places to visit!

This was my favorite French meal, but I can’t remember the name of it. It had fish and vegetables in it.

p.s.  In case you’ve just began reading…I planned an 11 week, 5 European country, 21 accommodations solo trip from April – June of 2022.  Photos were taken with my LG Velvet Android phone.