The Final European Stop - Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy was our last stop in Europe. We were generously offered the chance to stay at our friend Ben's parents' house just up from the lake. Ben lives in Australia but is French and most of his family still live in France. The house had a fantastic view of the lake (see photo to the right at the dining table looking out to the lake) and is located on the edge of Annecy, and a ten minute bus ride away to the Old Town on the Number 4. The old town of Annecy is very pretty and has a number of canals running through it (no overpriced gondolas here!). There are restaurants lining the sides of the canals offering a multitude of local dishes - see photo below. Friday morning is market day in the old town so we wandered through and bought some local produce for our evening feast - Tome des Bauges, Beaufort and Reblochon cheeses as well as olives stuffed with garlic and herbs and some figs...!


We also enjoyed a drive around the lake, stopping off at a few lookouts and hills for some great views of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. Adrian was intending to ride around the lake, travelling on the same course that will be used for the Tour de France when it stops off at Annecy on July 23 for the Individual Timetrial. Unfortunately there were roadworks on the only climb of the course (Col de Bluffy - say blue-fee in your best French accent) as well as some very busy, windy, narrow roads meaning that it would not be an easy ride. However, we still drove most of the course which means when we watch that day of the race on our return to Perth, it will have some extra meaning.


And thankyou to Mr and Mrs Falletti for use of your house for the four days we were in Annecy!!