Annecy!
Hello All, Happy Sunday!
Have you ever been to the stunningly beautiful city of Annecy in southeastern France?
Annecy France
For those of you who have booked me for a travel consult, you know that I often recommend it even though I have not been there myself.
It is definitely on my list of places to visit.
Trip of a Lifetime!
Annecy, photo courtesy Danielle St-Aubin
One of my dear followers, Danielle St-Aubin, booked a travel consult with me early last year before her trip to France last fall.
Danielle is French Canadian and, in fact, teaches French for the International Dyslexia Association.
Her ancestors originated from St-Malo, however, Danielle, herself, had never been.
So, this was indeed a very special trip to plan, her very first time in France.
Lake Annecy, Photo Courtesy Danielle
The reason for Danielle’s trip was to attend a wedding in east central Bourgogne but naturally, she also wanted to take advantage of her stay to see some other places nearby.
Based on one of my recommendations, Danielle booked a few days in Annecy.
She was not disappointed. (Whew!)
Danielle confirmed what I have seen only in photographs.
The turquoise waters of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains are a spectacular backdrop for a city that combines the best of France and Switzerland where Geneva is only 35 kilometers away.
Annecy packs a lot into a tiny area, less than a mile (1.2 kilometers) square with shops, restaurants, hotels, and le Château d’Annecy, a restored castle that dominates the old town.
Chocolate Crepe with whipped cream! Photo Courtesy Danielle
“I recommend arriving by train,” says Danielle. “The view took my breath away.”
Danielle also recommends taking a boat ride on the lake to get a different perspective.
“I loved the relaxed environment of Annecy, with people gathering outside, on the lake in boats, or sitting out on benches.”
And oh my, the food also had a Swiss/Belgium influence!
From the pictures, Danielle sent me, gastronomy was an important part of her vacation.
(As it always is on mine too!)
Les Plats| The Dishes in Annecy
Les moules|mussels Photo Courtesy Danielle
Salade César Photo Danielle
A must, Danielle says, is “raclette”, a Swiss dish of melted cheese that is scraped onto a variety of vegetables.
One also has to try the classic Croquembouche, a pastry tree made of cream puff balls and spun sugar!
Croquembouche! Photo Courtesy Danielle
On her way in and out of France, Danielle had to spend some time in Paris … “Mais bien sûr, mes amis!”
Taking in the sites, soaking up the ambiance, and enjoying cocktails in the local bistros and famous cafés!
I know exactly where this corner is! Photo Courtesy Danielle
Les cocktails at Les Deux Magots Photo courtesy Danielle
It seems that Danielle did not have a single photo of herself from this trip with she was happy! We both had a chuckle about that underlining that some women of a certain age (me included) do not like to be photographed.
It reminded me of a trip a few years ago with my friend Shardie, and our futile attempts to get a good picture of ourselves at the Eiffel Tower.
We ended up in hysterics. You can read that blog if you missed it by CLICKING HERE!
It is worth a look!
Shardie and I just could not get a good pic! And it just got worse and worse…The Eiffel Tower looks great though!
However, the photo did not represent how Danielle felt about her trip to France.
“It felt like I went home. It took me back to my culture, and has really brought out my French roots!”
Danielle is now planning her next trip in 2024, this time taking her children with her.
Thank you so much Danielle for sharing your story with us!
Footnote: Danielle also remarked “The men in France are such flirts! (but in the nicest way). They appreciate women.”
Noted!
Danielle’s Accommodations
Thought you might like to know the hotels where Danielle stayed.
All are charming and reasonably priced.
PARIS: Tim Hotel Louvre
PARIS: Hôtel Relais,Montmartre
ANNECY:Hôtel Splendid lac Annecy
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
I think another trip to France needs to happen. It is a wonderful country to explore.
Hello Bonjour Diana and the community
I have been to Annecy so many times on my way to skiing, visiting several dear friends who moved from Paris to live there.
Why is it so popular ?
Well you have an amazing landscape , a lake with mountains in the background.
You have all kinds of activities. WInter and Summer. You have a beautiful city with some Heritage architecture, a rich History, interesting cultural life, many gourmets addresses to savor from savory (very special fish and the Alps gastronomy) to sweet ones including top “chocolatier”. You have some great Artists living around the lake.
Biking, boating, skiing, swimming, hiking to burn some calories and stay fit. I’ll be happy to share photos with you when you visit in the Spring.
Annecy is one of my favorite cities after my beloved Paris.
This is a must…
What a little gem Annecy seems to be … and well worth a trip to see it in the future! Raclette is a favourite – one doesn’t see it offered here much.
I had Danielle over for a visit with another friend recently , and she was sharing stories of her trip to France! She just loved Annecy and felt so at home and very connected to her heritage …. ! I’m so glad she is going back next year with her son and daughter!