Wednesday 11th May - Welcome to Switzerland!!

I may have had a luxurious Hotel, but the traffic whizzing up and down the road outside my window, along with the overnight hot temperatures didn't help me to sleep much... However it was to be a big day as I completed my traverse of France... 
So by 830 I was packed, provisioned and leaving Jougne looking down the road into... Switzerland!!

 



















1st stop down the lane was the chapel of St Maurice, built and dedicated by a Roman legion, recruited in Africa, who fell out with the Romans, most were wiped out, and the chapel was built and dedicated by the remainder... As evidenced by the tableau of helmets on the front of the altar:

 















Just as I was coming out I heard the shouts of 'Joe' as the merry band of 4 young pilgrims came wandering down the road behind me... And we set off together...

By 0930 the big moment arrived... Crossing the border into Switzerland!! Not that you'd notice it much, just an old marker stone and a couple of signs...

We all continued together into the first Swiss village of Ballaigues... I was glad after this as we struggled to find the right path, steeply downhill through a forest, to the valley floor and river Orbes below... between us all, in the rain we managed it, and celebrated with another brekkie in a fishermans hut below... 

We continued along the river Orbe gorge, through several quarrymens tunnels, and by midday were entering the village of Les Clees. 

I then said Goodbye to the others, as I went a different way... across the lush green fields with misty views of the hills below.

as I walked to the ancient Abbey Romanmoutier - recommended by Francis, and well worth it:

I had a quick look round, intending to continue, however it was raining heavily, and so I enquired about any pilgrim accommodation - yes there was! So for 25sfr. I've been installed in the Hall of Jean Seysell - an ancient hall reserved for visiting VIP's!!! With a quirky bathtub, lots of old beds... and ancient pilgrims to keep me company (along with the flying swifts/swallows!!) 

I even made it to late night prayers (at 630 pm) and now ready for an early night!! 

All in all a good day, making it across France to Switzerland, and relaxing in great accommodation - very very cheap for Switzerland!! 

Not forgetting Dot the beloved MiL... Happy Birthday!!