We are all ready for Spring here in France, tourists and locals alike, and when the sun is out so are we. Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of Savoy, is attractive and charming located on glacier fed Lake Annecy. We stayed in the old town filled with stone buildings and canals. It is great seeing pictures of the city from the 19th century because it still looks pretty much the same. Our apartment was in a very old building with narrow hallways and stone steps, but inside was new and modern, the fantastic combination of new world luxuries and old world charm.
Our first night in Annecy was greeted with a surprise. The 2nd Annual Military Olympics were being held and it was their opening ceremony. It was entertaining to watch the performances and best of all the firework show over the lake. A great start to our visit.
The French like being active outside, as we do, and have it set up incredibly well. There are perfectly signed trails, bike paths, water sports, and exercise equipment everywhere. We got a great spring weather day in Annecy and shared the trails and bike paths with the locals. Unfortunately we are still experiencing some spring shower days as well, but we get out as much as possible. We hiked in the snow, biked along the lake, and climbed a ridge for incredible mountain views. If you like French culture, charming old towns, beautiful lakes, mountain views, and outdoor sports, Annecy is for you. We loved it!
Currently we are making our way closer to Switzerland and are now on the south side of Lake Geneva in the rural town of Armoy. We are staying in a small chalet that is connected to the home of a French couple who have lived in the area all their lives. They greeted us with homemade bread and quince jam with fruit from the lovely garden. They are very enthusiastic about their area and it has been quite contagious. We hiked a portion of the GR5 trail, which extends from Holland to the Mediterranean, visited a medieval town on Lake Geneva, bought cheese directly from a local dairy farmer, and even visited bees that our hosts raise for honey.
One of the best parts of travel is experiencing the way other people live. We get to pick up bits and pieces to influence our own life. From what we’ve seen in Annecy and Armoy it appears the French are definitely doing some things rights. With a week to go on our adventure we head to Geneva, Switzerland before our final stop back in Spain.
Firework Show
Annecy Canals and Old Town
French Cheese at the Market
Island Palace in Annecy
Spring Shower Day on the Lake
Lunch With a View
Hiking the Ridge
Adam on Trail
Images Around the Lake
Armoy
Hiking the GR5 with Snow and Mud
One Year, Two Backpacks, No Plan 