France

A post by Alison, Caroline, and Laura

Laura:  We took a beautiful drive from Bern to the Burgundy region of France.  We stayed in a wonderful house in a tiny village called Voutenay.  The village is in a great location--out in the countryside, near several pretty towns with medieval architecture, and perhaps a 100 steps to walk to a train that goes to Paris. 

Laura:  Here are a few photos of us exploring Avallon and Vezelay, places near Voutenay.  In medieval times, Christians made pilgrimages from all over the world to go to Vezelay.  The medieval basilica there is up a steep hill.

Alison, J.D., & Caroline outside the Eglise St. Lazare in Avallon

On the way to the basilica in Vezelay

Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vezelay

On the road near the basilica in Vezelay

Alison:  The next day we took the train to Paris.  The ride was 2 1/2 hours long.  We found the train to be very clean and nice, unlike some other public transportation.

Caroline, Laura, & Alison on the train from Voutenay to Paris

Laura:  We only had a little more than six hours in Paris, but we made the most of our time there.  Our first stop was the place the girls most wanted to go.


Alison:  The Eiffel Tower was well...stunning!  It took awhile to get to the famous structure, with stops to eat and to get sweatshirts (it was pretty cold, and we didn't even think to bring them--we haven't needed sweatshirts for a long time in Croatia!), but it was all worth it!  You could see such detail in the landmark that you wouldn't notice in a picture.

Looking into the tower after climbing the steps to the 1st floor

Caroline:  The view was amazing.  It was also fun getting a little souvenir afterward!  Climbing the steps took forever.  I wish we went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, but we didn't.

Alison:  True, we didn't go to the top, but the view was pretty enough from the second floor.  In all, there are 750 steps to the second level!

Caroline:  Wow!