Arnaud and I had a spot for a little hike in our holiday schedule so we went to the Réserve Naturelle de la Combe Lavaux.

This reserve holds several hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty so if you’re not a serious hiker you don’t have to worry at all. We even saw a family beginning their hike as we were about to end ours.

Because we were in Arnaud’s hometown he knew where to find the trails, but if you don’t have such advantage there are websites which could provide you with resources.

A few days before we found Arnaud’s hiking sticks and binoculars in his old home so we decided to bring them along.

After parking the car in a place we deemed secure, we started our hike. The starting point we chose had a superb view of the vines. But then again when you’re in Burgundy the vines are everywhere, so you’re bound to have a lot of vantage points from which you can take in fantastic views.

It was pretty easy at first – it was a walk on flat ground. But as we walked on I realized the usefulness of the walking sticks which I initially brought along to make me look the part of hiker.

But the reward is priceless as the surrounding foliage along the path changes and you reach certain vantage points that give you stunning views.

It was summer so some of the plants had already withered. Still, that didn’t diminish the forest’s beauty.

Our goal was to have a picnic at this spot that Arnaud wanted to show me and when we reached it, I could understand why it was his favorite. From where we were, it felt like we were on top of the world.

This was our picnic spot so we took out the stuff we bought that morning in order to make a nice spread. There’s nothing better than a good meal when you’re taking a hiking break!

With full tummies we continued with our hike and explored even more of the Combe Lavaux.

Our little trip ended the same way it started, with the grapes saying hello.

We decided to save dessert for the end. It provided a sweet ending to our beautiful day outdoors.

Can’t wait for our next chance to reconnect with nature!