I combined two days to give me a chance to catch up and also because they were take-it-easy days.
Sunday – September 5th
Sunny & comfortable – warm sun & cool breeze – perfect travel day
First thing in the morning, Jeff and I went out early to take photos of the magnificent train station and check on the car. The car was OK and the station was a visual treat.
The Liege Train Station
We met two men who were also photographing the building. They said they lived 50 kilometers north of the city and had come to photograph the station.
Train Station
We had good European coffee and croissants in a cafe at the station.
Another View
Afterwards, we checked out of the Hotel de la Couronne in Liege, Belgium, we loaded the trunk of the car with our luggage, and got on the A 26 – E 25 highway.
Another View of the Train Station
I have no idea why the highways have two numbers, but all the highways in “Benelux”seem to, which makes sign-reading an extra hassle. We left Liege and expected an easy highway drive to the capital city of Luxembourg. When we were about three-quarters of the way there, Jeff said that we needed gas. There were no gas stations along the highway, so we got off in some town that looked big enough to have a gas station. Since it was Sunday, many of the businesses were closed. We couldn’t find a gas station in any town. Traveler’s nightmare number two!
Off the Highway
We nervously continued on the highway and just across the border of the country of Luxembourg, was a huge IKEA on a hill, in the middle of farmland! We got off the road hoping for civilization and a gas station. IKEA was closed and the huge parking lot was empty of cars. A few more anxious miles down the road and there was a large gas station with long lines of cars at each gas pump! Another lesson to learn: fill up before you leave town!
We arrived at the city of Luxembourg without a reservation, late on a Sunday afternoon. It’s a lovely city. The sun was shining brightly. Many of the shops were closed and there weren’t a lot of people out and about. We found the Tourist Information office at the train station and I went inside to ask for a city map and hotel guide.
Short Story Ending: We stayed at the Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal Hotel for two nights and fell in love with the hotel chain!
Sofitel Hotel – Luxembourg
There is something wonderful to be said for luxury! A parking attendant whisked the car away and brought our luggage to the room. We have to pay for parking and the Internet, but the mini-bar is complementary. There is a Nespresso machine in the closet with a full compliment of coffee pods. I love the separate cabinet for the toilette! There are large closets, a huge dressing area, and best of all: a glass-enclosed shower in the bedroom with red & blue lights and an overhead “rain” shower-head. It defies description….
Lobby of the Sofitel Hotel
I decided to stay in the room and relax for the rest of the afternoon while Jeff walked to the center of the city to take photos. This was one of my better ideas………
Later, we went up to the 8th floor bar & restaurant for drinks and dinner.
8th Floor Bar with View of City
There is a panoramic view of the center of the city from there. I tried the Luxembourg sparkling wine and Jeff had a grape martini. Then we had a wonderful dinner prepared by their famous “French chef”. It was a wonderful way to end the day.
Monday – September 6th It was another sunny and cool morning.
We went up to the 8th floor breakfast room/restaurant to enjoy the morning view and have breakfast. Without boring the readers with the details, I can only say that the service was elegant and the breakfast was amazing!
Eighth Floor Breakfast Room
Then Jeff and I went out to explore the City of Luxembourg.
Place d’Armes
It’s a lovely place with an air of refinement and wealth. There seemed to be a combination of tourists and business people and we walked around to explore and take photos.
Guillaume II Facing the Grand Ducal Palace
The architecture is rather plain especially in comparison to Bruges, but it was still interesting to visit the center historical part of the city.
Medieval Bridge in Bas Ville
We returned to the hotel about 4:00 PM to relax and plan for tomorrow. It became cloudy in the afternoon and it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.
Lower City with the River Petrusse