Experiences as a Development Practitioner: Luxembourg Continued

We loved Clervaux. The small, town nestled among the mountains of the Ardennes, towered by its medieval castle and abbey, was exceptionally charming. But, the sun had also begun to set, and we knew it was wisest to move on to Vianden, the last stop in the Ardennes region, where we planned to stay for the night.

Driving was rather easy and particularly pleasant in Luxembourg. The driver seat is situated on the left side of the vehicle, which is driven on the “right” side of traffic (pun intended), as is done in the States. The tree-lined lanes are long and windy, and the trees’ leaves provided a refreshing shade as we glided through quaint towns and grassy landscapes, peppered with cows, castle towers, and church spires. On occasion, we would drive by schools of cyclists in proper gear, spandex and all, causing us to wonder whether the Tour de France possibly routed through Lux.

Bridge over the Our River in Vianden

We knew we were close to Vianden when we rounded the bend and were awestruck by the view of the most fairytale-like castle we had seen yet- the 9th century Chateaux de Vianden.
Vianden straddles the Our River and looks across to Germany’s forested Eifel region. In 1871, exiled French writer and Vianden resident Victor Hugo described the village as a “jewel set amid splendid scenery.” We would have to agree with him. The entrance to the town is a small pebble lane that descends right into the heart of the town. The narrow lanes lined with the most charming homes, butcher and sweet shops, churches and cafes are pleasantly disrupted by the Our River that flows right through the town. Victor Hugo lived adjacent to one of the most charming bridges here. Living in exile suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.

Chateaux de Vianden

Cobblestone lanes of Vianden

Victor Hugo's home in exile near the Our River

Another look at the Chateaux de Vianden

After waking up to the ringing bells of the church located right outside of our room window, we wondered through a narrow set of stone stairs squeezed in between two row houses. After roughly a 30 minute walk up, we came across one of the most stunning views of the entire town. After a few more minutes, we reached the base of the Chateaux. This is one of the few, completely refurbished castles of Lux, and it was surreal to walk through this stunning morsel of history as our imaginations ran wild.

Monastery of the Trinitarian order courtyard

Blossoms

Divinity in the Trinitarian church

Glass windows in the Trinitarian church

View of the chateaux from the Our River

The Chateaux up close and personal

View from the Chateaux

Fairytale Vianden

Another view of the fairytale

Chateaux by Night

REGION: PETITE SUISSE
The following morning, we took a slight detour on our way to Echternach in Petite Suisse and visited another stunning castle in Beaufort, at the recommendation of our hostess in Vianden. Locals were celebrating a medieval fair, reliving the period in full flare—attire and even food preparation over an open fire!

Castle at Beaufort

Another view of Beaufort

Our last stop before reaching Lux City was Echternach. From the itinerary: “This enchanting little town is a living open-air museum, from its patrician houses and picturesque market square to its medieval walls and towers. Echternach has been the repository of the ages since the missionary St. Willibrord arrived from England in 658 and established the abbey that made this one of the area’s earliest centers of Christianity.”

St Willibrord Rooman Basilica

The Saint Himself

After Petite Suisse, we came back full circle to Luxembourg City for our last day in the country. The city is yet another one of those charming little European cities full of beautiful old architecture, a pedestrian friendly environment, and café culture. With the aid of a walking map, we were able to leisurely cover the main attractions of the city, including the oldest and most picturesque areas of Clausen, Grund, and Pfaffenthal. After enjoying an Italian dinner at the Place d’Armes, where our hotel was strategically located, our mini holiday concluded beautifully at an unanticipated outdoor concert where we enjoyed a live performance by Ben Harper. It was a road trip to remember.