VIANDEN CASTLE & LUX JAZZ July 19-21, 2018

I have to admit I didn't know much about the country of Luxembourg before we arrived for this fun housesitting time, but what a fantastic small country it is! The history is long and varied but having six weeks to travel about was wonderful. We decided to try to visit as many castles as we could. What a fun adventure that became for us.

Our first day's outing was to Castle Vianden, a beautiful fairy book design on the top of a rocky hill over looking the historic village of Vianden.  The castle was built between the 11th and 14th centuries becoming the residence of the Counts of Vianden. As Luxembourg came under Dutch rule, the town became less notable and with earthquakes and fires further damage was caused to the castle. By the 1820s the castle was being sold off piece by piece, leaving not much more than a pile of rubble. Then in the 1977  the family of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg transferred it to State ownership. Thereafter it was restored to the beauty we saw the day we visited. Amazing to walk up the hill and through the gate to enjoy a self guided tour.

After the castle it was time for lunch and a visit to the historic town of Vianden.  Beautiful in summer floral colors and cooler down along the river side.

Across from the bridge in the old town is a replica Rodin bust of Victor Hugo, the incredible author of Les Miserables.  His home there is now a Museum,  having lived here for 3 months in 1871 during his 19 year exile from France. Fascinating to walk up several floors where his manuscripts and sketches were on display as well as this room resembling his office.

The Victor Hugo Hotel right across the street, of course.

Getting us about during our six weeks was this cute VW convertible, included with our house sitting. Such a perfect car for us to explore the country with the top down on lovely sunny days.

Always to return home and find Bluebell waiting for his dinner, often on this little bridge in the garden.

Each Saturday there is a Farmer's Market in the city plaza; flowers, produce, cheese, meats, just about anything you could want for supplies.

We were staying in the city that day for the Blues and Jazz Fest held in the Lower Town.

As we wandered around the neighborhood in lower town we came upon this skateboarding area with a competition going on.

The music stages were set all around the neighborhood tucked in next to beautiful historic buildings.

The Church of St John the Baptist with the black Madonna and child.

The festival began late in the evening and stayed going into early morning.  We listened to several performances then caught the bus back out to our little village.

I loved the color of this building built right into the stone walls of the upper city..

With so much to do in this beautiful tiny country, we kept ourselves plenty busy.