Sonia en Route

Literally perched on the edge of Lake Geneva sits one of the most beautiful castles – Chateau de Chillon. Not only grand and picturesque, Chillon has been the muse of artists and writers. Lord Byron wrote a poem about it – “The Prisoner of Chillon”, Jean-Jacques Rousseau set part of one of his novels in the castle. Chillon was also an inspiration to Gustave Flaubert and Victor Hugo.

Chillon was first established as a Roman oupost to guard the Alpine passes. At a later time it functioned as a prison. Today it is open to the public and its grandeur speaks for itself – it is the most visited castle in Switzerland.

It was my second time to visit Chateau de Chillon. Both times I realized that two hours gave me only enough time to see every room once and did not afford the luxury of lingering longer – to sit on the bench in one of the courtyards or imagine what were the daily routines of the nobles or chores of the servants.

If you ever visit Chillon, give yourself three hours minimum. Follow the guide book – there is plenty of interesting facts that help bring the castle to life. Imagine yourself living in this fortress – what would have been your duties? Before you return to reality,  give yourself time to sit in the little garden that overlooks Lake Geneva and dream 🙂

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