Hochosterwitz

Approaching Burg Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Friend Daniella was able to take a day off and went with us to Burg Hochosterwitz -- a medieval fortress in the rolling hills and countryside of Kärnten. First mention of the castle was made in 860 CE/AD. The castle remains the property of the Khevenhüller family and descendents of this family continue to live in part of the castle. (Members of the Khevenhüller family are part of a long, deep line of European royalty and are in the line of succession to the British throne, but are so far down the list, they'll never wear the Crown Jewels.) The rest of the castle is open to the public for viewing and for events. The grounds include a museum and tours, as well as walking paths, some chapels, and really spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. (As an aside, I had forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful Austria is. It is, in my opinion, even prettier than Switzerland. If you don't believe me, the next time you come to Europe, make Austria part of your itinerary.) More photos here.

Views of the surrounding Austrian countryside from Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Charlie leads the way at Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

St Corneille Church

Interior : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

In the center of the village of Puycelci sits a 14th century church, St Corneille Church. The interior is painted in the most gorgeous blue that is known colloquially as "Tarn Blue".

High Altar : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

Christ Crucified : St Corneille Church, Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Puycelci

Puycelci, FR: Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

We decided to get away for a couple of days. Maya spent a week last year in the French village of Puycelci in Tarn, not far from Toulouse. She was so charmed by it, she wanted to go back and show me the area. Puycelci is typical of hilltop villages all over France, but where many have become rundown and are unvisited, this little village has experienced a revival thanks to the entrepreneurial hardwork of owner and chef Dorothy Alexander. L'Ancienne Auberge sits at the center of this medieval village and features a Michelin-starred restaurant. We were there one week before their official opening, but still enjoyed fabulous meals prepared by her cook, Jean-Denis. If you want to get away for a few days, check out Puycelci and the surrounding areas. Well worth the six hour drive!

 Charm and color in old Puycelci, FR

Up Early : Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Gruyères: The Town

 The quaint Fribourgian town of Gruyères, home of Gruyère cheese : Gruyères, CH

Gruyères the town is very quaint. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and then wandered the streets. Gruyères is a medieval town, so there's an old town wall. There are cute shops throughout and a couple of museums. If you want to buy Gruyère cheese or Gruyère double cream, this is the place to do it.

 Medieval Gruyères : Gruyères, CH

Church and cemetery : Gruyères, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11