![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/shuk-drak-goenpa-1038x576.jpg "Shuk Drak Goenpa")
The last two days were dedicated to the Bumthang district, considered the “spiritual heart” of the country: It is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples, and is also believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. Continue reading The spiritual heart of Bhutan
Tag Archives: Hiking
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260402_093848-1038x576.jpg "Dochula Pass")
Chortens at various locations
Today we drove over the Dochula Pass, which is about 3,100 meters high, into the Punakha Valley. At only about 1,200 meters above sea level, this is almost a “real” valley (unlike Thimphu Valley, which is about 1,000 meters higher). Along the way, we saw numerous chortens and, of course, another dzong. Continue reading Chortens at various locations
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260401_103732-1038x576.jpg "Tango Monastery")
Tango in Thimphu Valley
We spent the last day and a half in Thimphu Valley, where Bhutan’s capital city of the same name is located. However, the biggest attraction (in my opinion) was not the city itself, but rather the Tango Monastery, which is located a little further north in the valley. Continue reading Tango in Thimphu Valley
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250915_133329-1038x576.jpg "View of Monaco")
French Riviera and Provence
In late summer 2025, I enjoyed three weeks at the French Riviera and in Provence, with a side trip to Monaco. On the way there and back, I also travelled through Italy and Switzerland, respectively.
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251002_125839-1038x576.jpg "Pont du Gard")
2000 years of history
Today was my last full day in Provence – and I did not even spend it in Provence, but in the neighboring region of Occitania. The reason for this was that today was, in fact, the synthesis of the two previous days: Romans + Bridge = Pont du Gard. Continue reading 2000 years of history
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250929_122623-1038x576.jpg "Le Sahara (Colorado Provençal)")
The colours of Provence
When you think of the colors of Provence, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the purple of lavender. However, the Provence can also be reddish-brown, almost like the American Southwest: in Colorado Provençal. Continue reading The colours of Provence
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250927_110911-1038x576.jpg "View from Belvédère de la Dent d'Aire into Verdon Gorge")
Europe’s Grand Canyon
A must-see for any nature lover on a holiday in Provence is the Verdon Gorge. Being up to 700 meters deep, it is one of the deepest gorges in Europe. I spent the last two days exploring the gorge – both from the bottom and from the top. Continue reading Europe’s Grand Canyon
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250925_103801-1038x576.jpg "View towards the Viaduct of Calanque du Jonquier")
Niol-oh-well-n
Actually, I have reported that Cassis would be my last stop on the coast. That is also true as far as overnight stays go. However, I had another two hours to fill today on the drive to my next accommodation (further inland). I used these two hours for a short detour to Niolon, just west of Marseille. Continue reading Niol-oh-well-n
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250923_122450-1038x576.jpg "View of Calanque d'En-Vau from the viewpoint")
The Calanques of Cassis
The French Riviera may be known for cities like Nice, Cannes, or Saint Tropez in its eastern part, but when it comes to nature, the coast becomes increasingly beautiful towards the west, I think: As mentioned, I already liked the cliffs of Porquerolles, but the Calanques in the national park of the same name between Marseille and Cassis, my westernmost (and last) stop on the French Riviera, are trulyin a class of their own. Continue reading The Calanques of Cassis
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_101302-1038x576.jpg "Southern coast of Porquerolles")
Peninsula and Island
I spent the last two and a half days in and around Hyères. Most of my (active) time, I spent outside the city limits, though: on the Presqu’île de Giens and the offshore island of Porquerolles. Continue reading Peninsula and Island