Estavayer, a small medieval town with its monastery (there are still 12 Dominican sisters in residence), château and pretty cobbled streets, sits above the southern shores of lake Neuchâtel.
This is where our group met for Le Festival des Roses which takes place every two years in June.
A rainy start for the group going by boat across the lake from Neuchâtel. Once the other side, we took the small train up to the centre of town. Since we were quite early, not all the stands were finished so we were able to admire the florists putting the final touches to their floral arrangements. Apart from these decorations, there are climbing roses growing up many of the old buildings throughout the old town – beautiful at this time of year !
At lunch time we met up with the other half of our party arriving by train from Zurich.
The Zurich lot was not sure if we had already arrived at the restaurant, when a client, sitting on the terrasse, said “people looking just like you have just gone in” Do we Brits really look so different ?!!
We were thirteen at table so maybe that is why the sun refused to shine until we were on our way back home.
After an excellent lunch we browsed around a little longer in the afternoon and then made our way to the station to go our separate ways.
A most enjoyable day – thank you Joy for your expert planning !
Anne Walther
