Esch sur Sure and Vianden

 

Saturday 31st August 2024

This morning saw us head into Luxembourg, we've been here before but only to make use of the garages who's diesel is always considerably cheaper than in surrounding countries.

I'm not sure why, I think prices may be controlled by the government.

Anyway it's around 1.40 euro a litre or 1.18 in pounds, compared to about 1.42 at home. 

So quite a saving on a tank full.

I thought on this trip it would be great to see some of the scenery as I've read it's quite impressive.

First stop for lunch was Esch sur Sure, Sure being the river.

The river loops around the small village and I found parking right by the river.

We had a wander along the river walk and to the part of the village that wasn't at the top of the hill, lol.

Next it was Vianden on the river Our.

This is a larger town and very pretty with an impressive castle on top of the hill.

Unfortunately the sun was behind the castle so difficult to photograph in the afternoon, but I'll try again in the morning.

We're on a small automated campsite by the river, no personnel, just a machine.

I booked in, paid barrier went up and down before I'd moved, grrr

Nobody to speak to and no help line.

Fortunately a Dutchman arrived behind me and he had a phone number and a man came to lift the barrier.

Anyway it's a nice site with great showers and a short walk into town along the river.

The town of Vianden seems to have a strong connection to Victor Hugo, the author of Les Miserables and Hunch Back of Notre Dame.

Lots of buildings carry his name.

He was exiled in Guernsey after he fell out with Napoleon, but maybe he spent some time here aswell, I'll try and find out.

Esch sur Sure

Vianden

Vianden Castle

 

Ambling through the Ardenne

 

Friday 30th August 2024

Today we had a leisurely amble through the Ardenne region, dropping in and out of France and Belgium.

We followed the scenic route along the river Meuse, which has a sub title of Canal de l'est (North Branch) which I think references with the canal at Thieu, part of Boneaparts plan linking up Charleroi with Mons.

Our route took us to Montherme in France for morning coffee, Bouillon in Belgium for lunch, and finally Herbaumont in Belgium for an overnight stay.

The weather is much cooler today and we had some light rain overnight.

This morning was couldy with mist and cloud hanging in the forests of the Ardenne, which I think is a fairly typical state of affairs.

Herbaumont is on the river Semois and has a castle on the hill to explore after tea.

The castle was duly explored and has some panoramic views from the summit.

Some partially sighted Belgian bloke reversed his car into us in Bouillon, no damage to Ed, but he broke his rear light cluster 🤣

It's a familiar theme though, in Nazare Portugal a French bloke reversed his motorhome into us on the campsite, but he never even had the courtesy to get out and inspect damage. 

Fortunately, again there was no damage to Ed, but he can't have known that.

Ed's made of tough stuff to see off Johnny foreigner 😀

Montherme

Steps to the top of the village in Montherme

The sculpture is a weather vane that was originally on the roof of the Montherme brewery built in the early 1800's on this site. It depicts a Roman Centurian blowing a horn, whilst standing on a cloud.

 Motorhome parking in Montherme by the river, we didn't stay overnight
but looks a great spot to park up

Bouillon

Mr Bean in a Mini . . . . .

with HRH Queen Elizabeth ll as his passenger 

Health and safety working at heights requirements are
completely ignored in Bouillon !

Bouillon Chateau

Bouillon Chateau

Herbaumont Castle

Herbaumont village