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Annecy – France’s beautiful gift to tourism
Walking
alongside the canals, taking in the profusion of flowers, enjoying a
coffee and croissant, and just soaking up the history of this medieval
city reveal why Annecy is one of the world’s most popular tourism
destinations
We
recently visited our son Andy; who is working in a cozy 20-room hotel
in Annecy, arguably one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe.
Nestled at the end of Lac Annecy in the Haute Savoie region of France,
Annecy is the gateway to the French Alps and the Winter Olympic sites
of Albertville and Chamonix; the latter in the shadows of the legendary
Mont Blanc. Before we left Montreal, it seems that everyone I told
about our upcoming trip exclaimed that Annecy was “beautiful
– absolutely beautiful”. Neighbours and business associates
were effusive in their praises of Andy’s adopted city. I began to
feel like the only guy in Montreal who hadn’t been to Annecy.
Lake Annecy is the fourth largest in
Europe, and is reputed to be the cleanest - it’s water being constantly
refreshed by the melting snow from the surrounding French Alps. A small outlet river splits into
small canals that traverse the old city; and the mixture of narrow
rivers, swans, cobble stone streets and profusion of hanging flowers
and window boxes make the town truly post-card perfect.
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12th Century castle in Annecy, recently used
as a jail, is now a museum
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The building
that houses the Hotel de Savoie where Andy works is 400 years old, and
was most probably a living quarters for the clergy of the adjoining
Italian Church, Eglise St. Francois. Across the street is a castle that
dates back to 1132, the original seigniorial seat of Annecy.
Annecy has a rich history, and much
of it is reflected in the Château d’Annecy and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
d’Annecy that dominate the skyline.
The town’s waterfront has been
preserved as a huge open park area called Le Paquier (named after the
gentleman who gave it to the town with the provision that it be open to
the public); ideal for strolling along the lakeside until you come to a
brilliantly painted carousel and a pedestrian bridge framed by giant
weeping willow trees.
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The world famous Imperial Palace has a beautiful
lakefront location (Photo: Jean-Pierre Louvat)
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It’s an idyllic setting; and where else but in France would you find a walking bridge called Pont des Amours?
The pristine waters of Lake Annecy
are a major attraction, in addition to the spectacular views and
proximity to the Alps, particularly Mont Blanc at Chamonix and
Albertville. If you visit in the summer, the beaches and lakeside parks
are lovely. Luncheon and dinner cruises are available to tour the lake,
and you’ll have a unique perspective from the water.
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The spectacular Mont Blanc and the Village
of Chamonix are a comfortable day trip from
Annecy (Photo: Jean-Pierre Louvat)
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The proximity
to major attractions makes Annecy a fine centre-point for exploring the
region of Haute Savoie. Chamonix and the majestic Mont Blanc are less
than an hour away, through some of the most beautiful terrain
you’ll ever experience. The hiking throughout the area is
outstanding, surrounded by magnificent scenery of lush mountain
meadows, the French Alps, and cliffside castles.
One such castle is the Château de
Menthon-Saint-Bernard, which has belonged to the Menthon family since
the 12th century. Tradition endures in Europe and the family head has
been the Mayor of the village for the past 900 years. The Château has
105 rooms, and is open to the public from May to September.
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The charming Hotel de Savoie located in the
old town, and just 100 yards from Lake Annecy
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The library
contains 12,000 books, many of which are the first editions. The
library also has hand written books and documents that pre-date the
printing press. You’ll also see some of the largest St. Bernard
dogs you’ve ever encountered – yes that’s also part
of the ‘family business’. The Menthon family took over the
breeding of these mountain rescue dogs when the local religious order
ran into financial difficulty and could not continue.
Occasionally while enjoying the
spectacular scenery, we came across a small chapel or monument that
serve as a memorial to members of the French Resistance who were
captured and lost their lives. A poignant reminder of the brave men and
women who roamed the mountainous terrain, risking their lives to play
an important role in the eventual liberation of France.
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Hikers taking in the grandeur of the
Aravis Mountain Chain (Photo: Brigitte Louvat)
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After a day
of outdoor activity, the hardest choice is to decide which one of the
many restaurants you want to try. We visited three within easy waking
distance of our hotel, and each one was fine; with a good variety in
their menus. Because the gratuity is included in your total bill, the
waiters and waitresses work together. If one is a little busy, another
will pick up the slack.
Annecy has hotel accommodations to suit most budgets. The 4 star
Imperial Palace and Casino, situated on its own mini-peninsula will
take your breath away. There are other hotels overlooking the park and
lake, and charming hotels in the medieval old town, where history is
right outside the front entrance.
Travel Planner
The citizens of Annecy are justifiably proud of their beautiful town,
the lake and the surrounding valley. While there is plenty to do and
see, make sure to give yourself time to enjoy just being there. For
more information about Annecy, please visit their website at: www.lake-annecy.com The site for Hotel de Savoie is www.hoteldesavoie.fr The site for The Imperial Palace is: www.hotel-imperial-palace.com
Transat Holidays offers hotels in Annecy as one of their self-guided
tours originating from Lyon, about 90 minutes distance. www.transatholidays.com Geneva is another important gateway, about 40 minutes from Annecy, and Air Canada will begin service to Geneva this spring. www.aircanada.com Enjoy!
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