On Thursday morning we went to the Lyon airport by bus and tram (navigating though the large Part Dieu train station) to pick up a rental car. Because we are going to return the car in Switzerland, the company rented us a minivan with Swiss license so we do not have to pay the tolls to drive there.

So many sunflowers! Fun to see them facing in the same direction.

We drove on small roads to see more of the countryside. More time, but more fun as well.

We stopped for lunch in a small town we recognized from previous visits, Perouge. The flags indicate a party that evening for Bastille Day. We were serenaded by the bells on this tower (below the clock face).

Lons le Saunier is the town where we will meet our friends and sleep for one night. A flea market showed clothing for sale.

In a walk in a lovely narrow park, we saw lots of flowers, plants and people.

We texted our friends, who wanted to pick us up soon, so off we went!

• Europe 2023