PARISMARAIS NEWSLETTER, ISSUE N°188, 30 AUGUST 2017
" Swan Lake in the French Alps : Annecy "

Annecy Lake : France's most beautiful alpine lake

Swan Lake in the French Alps : Annecy

Bonjour from Annecy

Imagine a bright turquoise blue lake with the purest water at 25 degrees C, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Imagine a mediaeval city, with a dreamy castle, the former capital of the famous Ducs de Savoie. Imagine a city that offers you everything on earth that you could ever dream of yet has not been invaded by mass market tourism. Less than 4 hours from Paris by fast train, next to Geneva and the beauty of Switzerland, and only 2 hours by car from Lyon.

This city is where I grew up and spent my college years and I'm delighted to have this special opportunity to show it to you, dear parismarais.com readers. Once you have discovered Le Marais and Paris, you may want to find out top tips from insiders for travelling to other historic cities in Europe.

A year-round resort, Annecy offers you the most beautiful lake in the whole of France during the summer. The tourism board of Annecy had the bright idea of communicating with a play on words and created the #I LAKE ANNECY hashtag bringing together the City of Annecy with its amazingly beautiful swan lake. Annecy is fondly referred to as the Venice of the alps boasting several canals lined with mediaeval houses and little palaces. From swimming to boating and discovering magnificent landscapes, from chic designer hotels to the sleeping beauty castle of Menthon St Bernard, Annecy and its lake offer you a absolute dream destination – no exaggeration.

Each year on the first Saturday of August the fantastic Fête du Lac takes place. The 5th August 2017 was the 87th year of the Fête du Lac: a giant firework show over the lake with an explosive budget of 750,000 euros, a show lasting 1 hour 20 minutes, seen by over 150,000 spectators. The Fête du Lac d'Annecy is growing bigger and bigger each year. This year's show was called « la danse du feu » (Fire Dance) and was the most spectacular yet. You'll discover below a short film of the end of the show.

Follow our insider guide to Annecy; I have updated it with today's experience along with input from people of the city, and from a few friends who left Paris to live in Annecy forever. Some Parisians don't understand how anyone could leave Paris for Annecy… Well may be the following photos would help you understand…

Annecy can be enjoyed at anytime of the year, as France's most prestigious ski resorts are just a gondola ride away, and if you like Paris, you will definitely « lake » Annecy!

A bientôt, for more travel tips about Le Marais, Paris and beyond.

Pascal Fonquernie
Chief Editor PARISMARAIS.COM

Special Thanks to : Annecy Tourism Office , Annecy Communication services, City of Annecy Mr Denis Duperthuy, Mr Eric Guttierez, Mrs Annaïs Laurent, Mrs Caroline Blanc-Chappaz, Mr Bernard Carteron , Mrs Caroline Leguide, and Hotel Catalpa.

ENJOY THE 5 LAST MINUTES OF THIS YEAR FIREWORKS

ANNECY CITY GUIDE

DRINKING OUT

• L'Apérosé

• Beer O' Clock, the Beer tasting experience not to be missed

• Le Chardon d'Ecosse, Pub and wine bar

• Moon Club, by the beach on the lake side

EATING OUT

• Les Chineurs

• L' Appart du 17, serving late.

• La Porte Sainte Claire (world cuisine)

• WYN design restaurant & Steak House

• Pierre Gay Cheese Maker and atelier – meilleur ouvrier de France 2011

• Chez Poustache : Fantastic home made ice creams in Annecy old town

EXPLORE

• Libellule Boat Restaurant and cruises on the lake

• Rent a Bike or a kayak for boating

• Gorges du Fier

• Musée Packard The Bell Museum

• Les Jardins de Lornay : tropical Bambou forest experience

• Col de la Forclaz

• Plateau du Semnoz : fantastic panorama overlooking 3 lakes

• Col des Contrebandiers

• Château de Menthon ( nocturnes animés les vendredi en aout )

• Cascade d'Angon à Talloires

FITNESS

• L' ile Bleue à Seynod, pools and spa

• Olness' Fitness Club - Avenue de France, Annecy le Vieux

EVENTS

• Fête du Lac. Every year the first saturday of August.

• Les Pyroconcerts de Talloires

• Festival du film d'animation d'Annecy

• Carnaval Vénitien dans le vieil Annecy

HOTELS

Hotel Catalpa ***
Design Hotel, pet Friendly hotel owned by Mrs Caroline Leguide, former owner of Hotel Saint Paul in le Marais. Free car park nearby. Gigantic breakfast buffet with local organic food. Best value in town.

Allobroges Park Hotel ***
great central location

Imperial Palace ****
The ultimate luxury in Annecy, with a fantastic spa.

Palace de Menthon ****
Quiet Art déco place overlooking the Lake in Menthon City, 10 km from Annecy

L'Abbaye de Talloires ****
17th century former abbey. Unique and prestigious.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Trains from Paris, Lyon and Geneva

• Taxis in Annecy : Officiel city company +33 (0)450 450 567

• Annecy Tourism Office