Well we did finally make it to Lake Annecy and after a minor search for our apartment we could finally relax in the same spot for two nights in a row….. bliss!!
Our apartment is located as close to the shoreline as possible so we could capitalise on the view and its surroundings. A quick shop at the local express supermarket (which also sold a 2001 Penfold’s Grange for 210 ~ 350AUD) and we were ready to have our first night in for two weeks. It also provided an opportunity to do some hand washing – clean clothes is another thing we had been running out of after two weeks, although we were starting to smell more like the locals 😉
Swimming in the lake under snow capped mountains. Before we had dinner and could settle in for the night we all decided to go for a swim. The fresh water lake, although in the alpine region, was not as frigid as you would expect and locals swim without hesitation ~ it was really no different than swimming at Bondi on a summers day! except with swans paddling around.
The town & a picnic. We woke to less than impressive skies for our next day. Plans of hiring bikes and boats were still on the cards but we were to squeeze this in only if the weather permitted. Heading straight for the old town to take in the sights you can not help but be impressed by this town. The obvious focal point is the lake which is largely fringed by parks, small beaches, marinas and a bike track. The city is adorable and has some fantastic shopping and restaurants. Streets are intersected by little canals which not only cools down the entire area but also provides a postcard view no matter where you walk. We picked up some small sandwiches and drinks then headed to the lake side for our lunch. It was very relaxed and enjoyable, the fine weather had brought out the families and health conscious.
Bike ride. Having waited until 2pm when the bike shop re-opened after lunch, we all were sized up for bikes and set off for a peddle around the lake. The Turra Tuckers in convey was a site to behold, maybe we should have taken a family sized tandem bike after all….. a quick stop for some ice creams and a couple of beers (when in France….) we were back in the saddle and heading for home. And not a moment too soon as the heavens stated to warn about the impending deluge that loomed over us like a hunting animal. No sooner that we had entered the bike shop after our 10km ride than the rain really came down.
No time for shopping, guess we will have to eat out. All the activities for the day left us a bit late to do some shopping so we needed to have a meal somewhere. We settled on a local Hotel/Restaurant that had some regional specialties. Entering the dining room was a scene straight out of National Lampoons – in unison the sparsely attended restaurant whose patrons must have been attending the local retirement village tour, all stopped eating, put their cutlery and glass down to look at and stare at us like we were a two-headed Hawaiian shirt wearing monster. A small smile, a nod & that awkward moment over and we sat down to a quaint meal. Duck breast in a red wine sauce was the pinnacle for me, cooked almost crispy on the outside and close to blue on the inside – perfect!
Leaving in perfect conditions. We woke the next day to the most ideal of conditions – Bugger!! especially given we needed to hit the road early to chip away at the 350km distance to our next destination. A quick pack, bills settled and we were on the road again….. Such a beautiful city full of amazing activities and scenery. We will be back here again, I believe it is close to a perfect location for a holiday house…. Mum & Dad?
Next stop the Luberon & Provence!
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