Lake Tahoe used to be my favorite Alpine Lake. However, having seen a REAL Apline Lake on our trip, I am re-writing my Top Ten Alpine Lake list. Lac Annecy, you win! Not only are your waters turquoise blue, your temperature is inviting! And not only are you perched in the valley of gorgeous mountains, you sit beside such a cool town!
Annecy, also referred to as The Venice of France, is a quaint town that in some ways resembles Disneyland. Or at least, a French village at Epcot Center. With small canals meandering about the town, Annecy also somewhat resembles Venice, Italy. We arrived around noon, eager to rent bicycles to ride around the lake. Unfortunately, The Curse of Google Maps struck again -- we could not find the bike rental store. And since it was so hot, and to be honest, we were feeling a little lazy, we decided to just lie out at the beach for a litle while and swim.
After a relaxing hour or two enjoying the scene, we rented a kayak and took to the water. We admit that we are better at riding a tandem bicycle than we are at sharing a kayak and trying to get somewhere in it. This does not speak highly for either our tandem bicycling or kayaking skills. Thankfully, we have our whole lives together to perfect our skills!
Hungry after our pedaling expedition, we changed and headed into town for some beers at Le Munich, a German bar situated along the canal. We had a couple of biers and verres du vin blanc. Tres refreshing after our hot day in the sun! While I was blogging away at the table with my iPhone, Jeremy noticed the entire village scampering for cover. Apparently, the town of Annecy is scared of a little rain! So we packed up as it started to drizzle. Much to our surprise, it then thundered, lightninged, and downpoured. What were a couple of Americans to do without an umbrella durin such a terrible storm? Why not pop into a Creperie for a crepe and un boteille du vin rose?
Nicole: "Yes, thank you rain! Now we get to eat dessert before dinner!"
Words cannot describe the deliciousness of our crepe. Chestnut creme, chocolate, and almonds. Oui, si vou plait! And our rose, at 6 Euros for the bottle, was also quite a treat. The rain stopped, and we continued to walk around town, eyeing up spots for dinner. We settled on L'Etage, and feasted on a delicious tomato and gorgonzola cheese appetizer. Next, we shared a peppercorn steak with a mushroom fondue. In Annecy, "heaven" is spelled FONDUE. Cheese, butter, and wine all in one pot! Probably our favorite meal to date. Blows that veal feet straight out of the water!
We headed back to Ferney Voltaire and spent some more time with our friends. We cannot wait to come back and visit them (live near them?) again. But for now, it is onto Stage 9 of Le Tour and a night in Torino, Italy before our vacation really heatsb up in The South of France. A votre sante!
I am getting hungry just seeing the pictures. You must be having the trip of your lifetime. Memories that will last forever. Makes me think of things mom and I did in Lake Tahoe and SF on our honeymoon too. Love Dad F.
ReplyDelete