The Grand-Duche de Luxemburg, to give its full title, is a fascinating country, and goes back to Count Sigefroid of Ardennes, founder of the House of Luxemburg. It became a Grand Duchy in 1815.

Enjoy my take on the country, its villages and it Capitol.

During our stay in Luxemburg, Vianden is our base, it’s a charming little town and the holiday makers are always impressed by its picturesque setting. The castle dominates the skyline, and is a place we visit.

I take the tour group on a walking tour of the village with a local guide, admiring the shops, fountains and hidden gardens, as we gently follow the cobbled streets, upwards to the castle entrance.
Once inside, the castle guide takes us on a tour of the Grand Palais, with its Knights Hall and Romanesque Chapel. As you walk along the parapet, the views over the town and the Our River are fantastic.

This famous tourist village is the Capitol of Luxemburg’s Little Switzerland, “La Petite Suisse”. I always plan to arrive on market day, when Echternach is in full swing, with both the locals and tourists enjoying the sights and sounds of the market. The Place du Marche, where the market is held, contains the former Law Courts and traditional houses. After time for sightseeing in Echternach, I take the group on a round trip of “Little Switzerland”. The most picturesque spot in the area is the Mullerthai, this is the name given to the Ernz Noire Valley, with its waterfalls and piles of sandstone rock.

What a wonderful and scenic drive.