A little more than a month ago, we ventured out on our first foray in Europe. This was an impromptu endeavor after learning of a family day on August 25th. Now facing the enticing prospect of two back-to-back three day weekends instead of a single four-day one, we decided to accelerate our plans for Labor Day and we set off at 6am for Luxembourg City.

From where we live in Homburg, it is a one and a half hour drive northwest along the A6 and A8 autobahns. The German section of our drive took us through rolling hills and the wine region along the Mosel River before crossing into Luxembourg near Schengen. Schengen is the namesake of the EU accord that enables free movement among member nations.

From Schengen, the drive took roughly 30 minutes and moved us through more rolling hills until we turned north head into the capital. As one would expect at 8am on a Friday, we encountered heavier traffic leading into the city. We were on somewhat of a tight schedule to arrive due to our primary activity for this excursion. While researching Luxembourg City, I learned that the Grand Duke's Palace is available to tour only six weeks each year starting in mid-July and ending during Labor Day weekend. It is an inexpensive outing, costing 12€ for adults and 6€ for children, with Sam getting in for free. The palace conducts tours in French, German and English on a rotating basis each day. Being sensitive to the boys' mid-day tiredness, we reserved spots during the 9am tour.  

Getting into the city was one of the easiest things yet experienced in Europe and we parked in a garage under the Place Guillaume II, which is the city's central plaza. We picked up our tickets from the tourism office, then headed for the palace. Thankfully, it was a quick ten minute walk, and we were immediately impressed by the architecture of the palace.  Once we checked in for our tour, we went through a security checkpoint, and learned that a large party no-showed for their tickets and that we were now essentially receiving a private tour of the palace.  While the Grand Duke does not permit tourists to take photos while inside the residence, you may see official photos here, but they do not adequately capture the ornateness of the residence. 

The tour began in a room set up with various artifacts and historical overviews of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.  From there, we proceeded across the primary vehicular entrance and into the residence proper. Intricate, ornate, awestruck, are all descriptors that come to mind. Even today, several weeks later, I am at a loss for words to appropriately convey what we saw. Some of my favorite items that we learned was that several of the tapestries were given to the Grand Duke's ancestors by Napoleon after learning that one of his generals stole the family's china and that many of the tapestries, paintings and other possessions were shipped to the United States during World War II for safeguarding--which explains the presence of a Franklin D. Roosevelt Boulevard. 

After the tour concluded, we walked to the front of the palace for some photos and then went in search of second breakfast. We settled on La Fournee Dorre, a fun French cafe where we grabbed coffee, juices, muffins, fruit and a quiche. 

We next set off for the Cathedral Notre-Dame. The Cathedral sits astride the Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt and is a huge edifice; its twin spires soaring above the city and can be seen from most locations. The interior was every bit as majestic as one envisions churches and cathedrals across Europe. The cathedral was constructed between 1613 and 1621 and was expanded during the subsequent centuries. The frescos were amazing and the stained glass windows were simply breathtaking to behold. 

After spending some time admiring the work of devoted men seeking to glorify God, we went outside to a nearby green space where Will could stretch his legs after not being permitted to run inside the cathedral. 

Part II coming soon...