* Pictures noted are bottom to top - We arrived in Annecy after an easy 4 hour drive through many tunnels on toll highways. We enjoyed the green farmland and broad valleys as we left Switzerland and began our entrance into the French Alps.
Again, not exactly being sure of the location of our hotel other than it was in the 'heart' of 'downtown', we negotiated our way around many tiny, busy streets filled with people, cars, and buses. After a few illegal stops to ask directions along the way, we were happy to find out that our hotel, the Hotel Palais de L'Ile, was in fact located in the center of the 'pedestrian-only' old town off the main canal, but disappointed to learn it was not automobile accessible (picture 1). Taking this news in stride, we proceeded to find an available parking space (only valid for 2 hours) in a near-by, crowded public lot near the lake less than 10 minutes away. We unloaded our luggage (thank goodness we didn't have too much) and walked across the pedestrian walkway (picture 2) and over a couple of canals to our deliciously air-conditioned hotel. After squeezing into the small elevator we settled into our little 4th floor attic room equipped with internet, small modern bathroom, comfortable double bed, wonderful air-conditioning, and QUIET - so all was good.
Once cooled down we returned to the hot, crowded streets to move our car to the overnight parking garage (where it stayed throughout our visit) and took a walk around the very quaint town which was beautifully situated next to Lac d'Annecy (pictures 3 and 4). The old town, where we spent most of our time, was filled with sidewalk cafes, gourmet food shops, and of course lots of tourists. It should be said, that while Annecy was crowded it didn't feel as oppressive or expensive as Venice. Prices were fairly reasonable considering it was peak season and very good food was convenient, charming, and available everywhere.
We just went with the 'flow' for the next 4 days. It was generally very hot most of each day and since we didn't feel like using the car, we explored the sites of old town on foot - shopping, photographing the town and mountain views, reading, eating or just lingering at comfortable sidewalk cafes enjoying the constant parade of people. To our delight, cuisine for the most part was very 'French' with menus of various kinds of fondues, crepes, mussels, escargot, local wines, etc. which were all plentifully available. That said, hands down the most popular food item for people of all ages was ice cream - constant lines at the ice cream vendors and in the crowds many hands holding either a stuffed cone or cup. Of course not to be left out we did join the 'masses' and indulged with at least one wonderfully refreshing cone ourselves (picture 5).
On the third especially beautiful day, after reading for a while in the peaceful park along the lake, we got really 'energetic' and rented a paddle boat so we could cool down and enjoy the mountain sights from the water (picture 6). Lac d'Annecy, though filled with other 'paddlers' was clean, clear, and just a wonderful repreive from the heat of town (picture 7). We enjoyed our last night at a wonderful restaurant on the canal and walked along the waterway listening to the wonderful music of the street musician and just absorbing the comfortable energy of the night (picture 8).
Next day we checked out, rolled bags to the garage, loaded up and were on our way to the Dordgone region of France.
Again, not exactly being sure of the location of our hotel other than it was in the 'heart' of 'downtown', we negotiated our way around many tiny, busy streets filled with people, cars, and buses. After a few illegal stops to ask directions along the way, we were happy to find out that our hotel, the Hotel Palais de L'Ile, was in fact located in the center of the 'pedestrian-only' old town off the main canal, but disappointed to learn it was not automobile accessible (picture 1). Taking this news in stride, we proceeded to find an available parking space (only valid for 2 hours) in a near-by, crowded public lot near the lake less than 10 minutes away. We unloaded our luggage (thank goodness we didn't have too much) and walked across the pedestrian walkway (picture 2) and over a couple of canals to our deliciously air-conditioned hotel. After squeezing into the small elevator we settled into our little 4th floor attic room equipped with internet, small modern bathroom, comfortable double bed, wonderful air-conditioning, and QUIET - so all was good.
Once cooled down we returned to the hot, crowded streets to move our car to the overnight parking garage (where it stayed throughout our visit) and took a walk around the very quaint town which was beautifully situated next to Lac d'Annecy (pictures 3 and 4). The old town, where we spent most of our time, was filled with sidewalk cafes, gourmet food shops, and of course lots of tourists. It should be said, that while Annecy was crowded it didn't feel as oppressive or expensive as Venice. Prices were fairly reasonable considering it was peak season and very good food was convenient, charming, and available everywhere.
We just went with the 'flow' for the next 4 days. It was generally very hot most of each day and since we didn't feel like using the car, we explored the sites of old town on foot - shopping, photographing the town and mountain views, reading, eating or just lingering at comfortable sidewalk cafes enjoying the constant parade of people. To our delight, cuisine for the most part was very 'French' with menus of various kinds of fondues, crepes, mussels, escargot, local wines, etc. which were all plentifully available. That said, hands down the most popular food item for people of all ages was ice cream - constant lines at the ice cream vendors and in the crowds many hands holding either a stuffed cone or cup. Of course not to be left out we did join the 'masses' and indulged with at least one wonderfully refreshing cone ourselves (picture 5).
On the third especially beautiful day, after reading for a while in the peaceful park along the lake, we got really 'energetic' and rented a paddle boat so we could cool down and enjoy the mountain sights from the water (picture 6). Lac d'Annecy, though filled with other 'paddlers' was clean, clear, and just a wonderful repreive from the heat of town (picture 7). We enjoyed our last night at a wonderful restaurant on the canal and walked along the waterway listening to the wonderful music of the street musician and just absorbing the comfortable energy of the night (picture 8).
Next day we checked out, rolled bags to the garage, loaded up and were on our way to the Dordgone region of France.
1 comment:
It doesn't look much like a paddleboat to me. Who is doing the paddling as you tan? Oh la la!
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