We spent a week in this darling Annecy apartment which has the perfect location from which to enjoy old Annecy. I miss the fantastic views across the canal and down to the lake, swans and flowers everywhere. The building is in that iconic photo of Annecy. Incroyable!
The apartment is four flights up a spiral stone staircase and worth the trek. You will find everything just steps away (except a parking spot!) – all the shops, cafes, stone bridges, old palace, churches, and prison, cobblestoned walking streets…. We safely parked our rental car for free in a public lot just east of town past the police station – a five to ten minute walk. Don’t miss the open market on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings. It is the best we’d ever experienced, right outside your door and across the canal.
A boat trip on the lake was well worth it. We also drove around the lake to picnic at one of the village beaches, and we made use of the great pedestrian paths for running along the lake. Mt. Semnoz (a Tour de France climb) was a short drive away, with scenes right out of The Sound of Music. In just over an hour you can be in Chamonix where we highly recommend the aerial tram to the Aiguille du Midi for the spectacular views of Mont Blanc which is not to be missed! (Go on a clear day.)
Back in Annecy, we enjoyed La Sapaudia a few times for pizza (and the charming American waitress!) and L’Estaminet for Savoyarde specialties. And yes, Pauvert the traiteur next door has wonderful take-out offerings. The apartment has everything you need. It is charmingly decorated and furnished, and the washer/dryer posed no problems! We truly enjoyed our time in this most picturesque of settings, and have memories to last a lifetime…. Merci!
Bob & Gail R.
Carlsbad, CA
USA