On and Off the Map

Divonne, France (4)

Posted on by travelerdonna

Days with Friends – It is always a special event when one gets to enjoy visiting another country with friends who truly know the area. And, so we are lucky to be able to spend a few days with Ulla and Gerry in the eastern part of France. We are staying in the Domaine de Divonne, a lovely hotel in Divonne. If you get out your maps, Divonne-les-Bains is located about 20 kilometers north of Geneva. It was once a major spa town known for its springs. In fact, our hotel has a major spa. There is also a casino attached to the hotel.

On our first night here we had dinner at Ulla and Gerry’s to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary (we can’t believe it either!). Ulla prepared a delicious dinner and had a beautifully decorated chocolate cake made to commemorate the occasion.

In Divonne at Ulla and Gerry’s Home Celebrating our 45th Anniversary

The next morning I joined Ulla and Gerry to walk through the very extensive market that takes over all of the “downtown” area. They were fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, clothes and almost anything else one wanted. Ulla bought white asparagus, which we later had for dinner.

At the Divonne Market

Leaving the market we picked up “sleepy head” Steve and had lunch on the terrace cafe of the golf club at the Divonne with its beautiful setting. Then it was on to the town of Nyon, Switzerland, to enjoy more beautiful views and a bit of history. Archaeological findings indicate that there were humans along the lakeshore from the Neolithic periods onward. Nyon was the urban center of Colonia Iulia Equestris, which had been established by Julius Caesar after his victories in Gaul. Vestiges of the imposing monuments lie beneath the city. There is more history, but, I will only add that between 1781 and 1813 Nyon gained a reputation throughout Europe for its fine porcelain.

From Nyon overlooking Lake Geneva

The next day we went to the Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey, Switzerland. The museum was extremely well done, providing a comprehensive picture of his life along with memorabilia and movie clips. Ulla and I walked through every exhibit.

At the entrance to the museum, almost too life like!

Then off to enjoy another spectacular view of Lake Geneva from the deck of Baron Tavernier. The views were breathtaking. With the lake on one side and the vineyards climbing up the hills on the other side, it was a beautiful drive.

Then, one last dinner with Ulla and Gerry and we were back to our hotel to leave the next morning for Brittany in France.

11 thoughts on “Divonne, France (4)”

  1. Wow! I really enjoyed your tour with your friends. They seemed very nice and took you to some very nice sites. I could almost taste the market. Views of the town and Lake Geneva were spectacular.
    But most importantly….HAPPY 45th ANNIVERSARY!!!! You two have really been blessed.
    I wish Steve was able to join you on your walks, but his hip just doesn’t allow it unfortunately.

    1. Thank you! We can’t believe it’s been 45 years!
      Steve goes on the shorter walks, but, mostly, he waits in a cafe with a coffee or drink!

  2. Happy 45th, you two! Wishing you nothing but good days together.
    Can’t wait to see you in the Northwest!
    Kathy and Jim

    1. Thank you! We aren’t quite the travelers we were, but, we’re still traveling! In only three weeks (can that be true!), we’ll be in the Northwest!

  3. Happy 45th, you two! Wishing you nothing but good days together.
    Can’t wait to see you in the Northwest!
    Kathy and Jim

  4. Snowy peaks are one of my favorite views! Enjoy the next trek and Happy 45th!!!

  5. WOW 45 YEARS!!!!! Congratulations This trip is a great anniversary celebration. Stay healthy and safe, travel on dear friends.

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