This is the third time we have been to Annecy and it is definitely one of my favourite places!

Annecy is a small town which sits at one end of Lake Annecy. It is surrounded by mountains and is an incredibly peaceful place!

The first time we visited it was January. It was very cold but we had a lot of fun walking around the town and lake and then stopping in Patisseries for hot chocolate and cake or going out and trying local food such as tartiflette (potato, cheese, bacon… what isn’t there to love!). At this time of year, there is snow covering the mountains and not many tourists about.

We then stopped over for a day in April. Unfortunately, it rained, the ENTIRE time! It gave me a chance to get some different photos though!

This time again was only for one day and one night at the end of July. The warm weather meant swimming in the lake and eating outside. However, I felt some of the charm was taken away by the number  of tourists about!

 

 

Swimming

My sister and I bought my Dad Wild Swimming France by Daniel Start for Christmas a few years back. Tim found a spot on Lake Annecy that he really wanted to try out. Port de Rose near Talloires takes a while to get to by foot but is definitely worth it! It has several rocks at rocks at different heights which are great for jumping into the lake.

Eating

Sur Les Pas De La Petite Botte, 4 Avenue d’Aléry, 74000 Annecy

The best place for breakfast. We always order the petit déjeuner, for a little less than 8 euros you get a hot drink, orange juice, a pastry and a piece of the most delicious baguette we have ever had! The staff are always super friendly and are very patient with our bad french too!

Restaurant L’Etage, 13 Rue du Pâquier, 74000 Annecy

Our favourite place for dinner. From the front, it looks like a small locals bar. Head down the alleyway to the left of the main door, up the stair and then follow the balcony round to the right and down through a small corridor with a glass door. Tim always has the steak and chips with Paris sauce, he says every time that it is the best steak he has ever had! I really like the tartiflette.

Au Fidèle Berger, 2 Rue Royale, 74000 Annecy

Really good hot chocolate! Their cakes look amazing too!

 

 

Sleeping

Hotel des Alpes, 12 Rue de la Poste, 74000 Annecy

We have stayed at Hotel des Alpes twice now. Even though it is only a 2* hotel we quite like it. The rates are very reasonable and the rooms, although small are comfortable and clean. It is also within walking distance to the centre of Annecy!

Camping le Lanfonnet, 948, Route d’Angon, 74290 Talloires-Montmin

This campsite is on the other side of the lake to Annecy. However, it is very close to the water and has its own access to the lake. We woke up at 7.30am and walked down to the lake and went for an early morning swim which was beautiful! The facilities are clean, pitches are large and the staff are nice. There are also a lot of companies nearby who offer a range of water sports!

Other

Gorges du Fier, 30 Rue du Pont des Liasses, 74330 Lovagny

Gorges du Fier is about a half an hour drive west of Annecy. A walkway takes you through the gorge a little way above the water. It is a really impressive sight!