Lately, day trips have become my favorite kinds of trips. After spending the last 3 years traveling all over Europe, I've learned taking the short and sweet approach to traveling can sometimes be more fun than a week-long vacation. Day trips are easy to plan, typically drivable (making them super cheap), and you can sleep in your own bed when it's all said and done. D and I have become master day-trippers, and one of our favorite cities just a 2 hour drive from home was Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg is a super small country bordered by Germany, France, and Belgium. We decided visiting its largest city (aptly named Luxembourg City) would give us the best taste for life in this landlocked country. Upon researching Luxembourg City, we discovered there wasn't a whole heck of a lot we were interested in doing there, but sometimes that's what draws me to a destination. When there is less to do, that means more time for leisurely walking, dining, and photo taking! It was nice to take our time wandering along Le Chemin de la Corniche (a promenade built on old ramparts--also known as "Europe's most beautiful balcony") to marvel at its beautiful vistas and it was great not feeling rushed while exploring the Casemates du Bock (a labyrinth of defensive passageways adjacent to the castle). We also enjoyed a steaming cup of homemade hot chocolate from the famed Chocolate House, a look inside the Notre Dame cathedral, watching the changing of the guards at the Palace of the Grand Dukes, and lunching on the weirdest "hamburger" we'd ever tried (the buns were potato rösti!) at a cafe on Rue Genistre. Proof that even in a city with limited sights, you can still have unique experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Might I recommend visiting Luxembourg in the heart of autumn? The trees were just beginning to burst with new colors and the air was crisp enough to require a light jacket and scarf. Absolutely my favorite kind of sight-seeing weather! And while you're in town, make a stop at the Luxembourg American Cemetery located just a few miles outside of Luxembourg City. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit because it was closed during the government furlough this past September. If you're a military history buff, add it to your "must-see" list!
Oh! And FYI, if you're a Ladurée macaron lover like me, there's a shop in Luxembourg City just off of Rue Phillipe II. Go indulge!! :)
I completely agree with you - sometimes those places with miles long must-do lists turn into an exhausting hustle just to get it done. Often times my barometer for how long to dedicate somewhere is decided base on the 'Activities' count on TripAdvisor. I ate my words though when we were in Paris and realized that to actually enjoy and feel Paris you need to sit at a cafe and just absorb it - and drinks lots of wine, of course.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about Luxembourg, it looks beautiful plus I'm a sucker for macaroons.
This looks so nice! I live in Germany, near the Dutch border, but somehow never considered taking a trip to Luxembourg. This definitely changed my mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of day trips as well-- it's amazing how much you can really do in a short amount of time. Your pictures are absolutely lovely!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, sometimes the best places are the ones that aren't jam packed with must-see sights! They are definitely more relaxing and enjoyable :)
ReplyDeleteI love Luxembourg. It's a great little city and so close! Great pics Casey!
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ReplyDeleteIt looks just beautiful! Wow!
ReplyDeleteLuxembourg looks like such a charming town. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous place! I've always been fascinated by Luxembourg, such an interesting country!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures! I love to travel with you through your photos!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Luxembourg is soooo pretty (the nature parks and villages are also worth visiting). I had a little cackle that you explained in your blog where Luxembourg is. For us Euros it's so normal I guess! But yes if you're driving through Luxembourg and you blink, youre pretty much in France or Germany!
ReplyDeleteEsther.
I also daytripped to Luxembourg six years ago, it was Sunday so there was even less to do as everything was closed. But I found it a lovely city and really liked the Chemin de la Corniche and the grottoes. And it was just the day before St Patricks and there was a nice party in some square with a band playing U2 songs.
ReplyDeleteP.s. That unusual hamburger look delicious :)
DeleteBeautiful photos! I would love to visit. And now I'm a little bit hungry, too. :)
ReplyDeletegorgeous!!! Love the picture of you two kissing!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED Luxembourg too! We did a day trip there this summer, and it was so divine!! xoxo Katie
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. Day trips are the best, especially because I love sleeping on my own bed!
ReplyDeletehttp://liveitinerantly.com/
These pics are AMAZING! I especially love the kiss shot!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am dying to visit Luxembourg for the day! It's so close but yet something I have just not found the time for yet. The pictures you've taken are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh I so love these posts
ReplyDeleteThat's my absolute favorite thing about Europe...the day trips!! I love going to the random places and discovering history off the beaten path. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteDay trips are wonderful, and a really great way to focus the experience ... plus, I am totally jealous about the macarons!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are amazing! You have such a photographic "eye" you might want to think about publishing your photo's on a webpage. I'm betting you could make a fortune! That hamburger made me hungry!
ReplyDeleteIs that a burger between 2 potato cakes? I need one.. now! Gorgeous pics! Love the one of you and your love kissing in!
ReplyDelete~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
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Holy cow! It's beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteWow. Stunning! Definitely someplace on my go-to list. Your photography is just beyond fabulous too. Thanks for always sharing these adventures. And, I had to laugh because you talked about there not being anything you really wanted to do.. but yet, you found so much, that's fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an awsome place! I hope I can go there during the summer. Would be awsome!
ReplyDeleteThis post is making me hungry! That burger looks kind of good and those macarons! You have taken some beautiful photos of Luxembourg :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Leisurely exploring is simply the best in a new city sometimes. And that silhouette photo of you looks like a professional engagement photo! I love it. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are expats currently living in Luxembourg! Its a beautiful country, and often overlooked, so I am glad yall took the time to check it out. A day trip is honestly the perfect amount of time for exploring!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your adorable blog and now Im following :) If you're interested you can find mine at jaywalkingtheworld.com. Were practically neighbors, haha!