We’ve been here in Lake Annecy for a week now and we will stay until Monday. Originally we had intended to stay just five days but there is something about on extended stay in a place which allows for a more in depth experience and not a quick tour of the highlights and then on to the next spot. It also means I don’t feel guilty sitting on the patio in the early morning sunlight with my book and a cuppa and think I need to be up and doing every minute.
We did make an early morning excursion into Annecy old town for one of the three farmers markets they hold every week, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We locked our bikes by the park and walked along the canals to the market, where we took our time perusing the rows of colourful stalls with local, fresh produce, honey, breads, olives, meats cheeses, flowers and handcrafts. We bought some tasty delights to try and the makings of a picnic breakfast in the nearby park. Jardins de l’Europe is a shady waterfront park with views of the lake and the mountains and the perfect spot to enjoy our meal under the watchful eye of the local birdlife ready to swoop in should mop up be required or allowed!
We’ve biked the bike path around the lake and another day ventured up into the mountains at the south end of the lake. We rode though meadows filled with wild flowers and crops of mostly barley and wheat and we watched the para-gliders land nearby. Up in the mountains the views back down into the valley were stunning which nothing but the sound of the cows grazing and a church bell ringing in the village to break the silence. On our return route we passed through Faverges, it was market day, we bought some fresh bread for that evening’s supper and continued on our way.
Another day we took a picnic to the ‘beach’ and sat on the grass under the shade of a tree and enjoyed our lunch again with some feathered friends, keeping overwatch. We watched some brave souls as they swam in mountain chilled water, while others paddle boarded or canoed nearby. The weather was perfect and views of the lake were stunning and no I didn’t venture a swim, maybe next time!
The other nice thing about having time is we don’t feel compelled to be on the go all day every day. We’ve had time to relax and enjoy some downtime at the campsite too. We have time for chores and hobbies and if we feel like it we can do a short evening bike ride or walk along the path without feeling like we are wasting precious time. Lake Annecy has been a perfect stop on our trip and definitely a worthy addition to anyone’s travel bucket list.
I’m just reading in the news about a knife attack in that beautiful place of Annecy that you described Catherine , with very young children critically injured as a result. Such a shocking contrast to the idyll and a reflection of mankind in all its contradictions.
Thinking of those young victims …
I was heart broken reading it Joe. That park was where we had our breakfast picnic, we biked past it numerous times. A beautiful spot with families enjoying the sunshine and beautiful views. I just ask what is happening to our world. They are just babies.
Terrible Catherine. The world can be so incomprehensible . Sending my love to you both.
Fabulous Catherine! Love the photos and your descriptions, it’s almost like we are there with you!
Looking forward to the next instalment…..
Thanks Anne, glad you are enjoying the blogs. We are heading back to home base this week for a couple of weeks so things might be a little quieter.
You’ve become quite the photographer Catherine. Gorgeous scenery of course helps but you capture its beauty quite well!
Thanks Rob, appreciate that, but as you say the subject matter is drop dead gorgeous.
Stunning pics.
Thanks Val
Thanks for the tips and for sharing your journey with us. Sounds like I definitely need to add the region to my bucket list! Have a fabulous weekend!
Was only saying to hubby that the four of us should visit here together. The campsite we are on has rental chalets too.
Hi Catherine. Sounds like a superb idea! Win-win all around! Loving your blogs and the spectacular photos!
We’ll have to pick a date for that one, how exciting