Biel/Bienne (population 55,000) is situated right smack in the area separating the French-speaking part of Switzerland from the German-speaking part. So, what did the city do? Its name is officially Biel/Bienne and, every street sign is in both languages. The old town area isn't very big--about four blocks long by two blocks wide.
Back in the Middle Ages, erecting fancy elaborate fountains was a way to show off a town's wealth. Biel/Bienne still has several of these beauts still standing and they're great place for cyclists to fill-up their water bottles. This one I believe is blind justice.
The only remaining section of Biel/Bienne's medieval fortifications still standing.
See the woman with wings (angel?) holding on to the lamb for dear life? Why? See next photo for close-up.
Wow, that is one ugly-looking monster with breasts!
Street view.
Like the unusual color.
View of square.
Close-up of soldier, knight?
The village of Blonay lies high in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva. I was getting close to Blonay and saw plumes of smoke and thought something was on fire. Turns out it's this steam-powered train.
Weekends in the summer they give rides.
The track runs for three miles and connects to another track still in use for normal traffic. This steam engine (B.F.D.3) was built in 1913. At the end of the three miles there's a train museum featuring a slew of these beasts including many much older.
Cycling around a residential area near the train station in Blonay I find someone has set-up a miniature train line in their front yard.
Another view.
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