Thursday July 26, Lake Annecy

Beautiful Annecy

Have had a really great day, just been perfect. There was a market in the St Joirez this morning so Matt and Ange hired some bikes from the camp and at 8.30 this morning we all headed off to town before it got too hot. Not far from camp riding down a little country lane and came across a hot air balloon that had just landed, watched as it got put onto the back of a ute then deflated…a first for me. Looked pretty impressive. Onto town and after a few wrong turns found the market which was reasonably big. Locked the bikes and wandered through, picking up some really nice sourdough bread, olives and tomatoes ready for a light meal tonight.

Back on our bikes and meandered around the town, “Guide” Matt leading and came across a really big chateau that looked in quite a state of disrepair… reminded me of “Escape to the Chateau”! We joined the cycle path and continued on it for quite some distance towards the bottom of the lake. Just couldn’t get over how many people were using it, lots of road cyclists, families, runners and walkers. Got some great views out across the lake. Then back to the camp and were surprised that we had cycled almost 20kms.

After a coffee and a few morning chores, we shared a taxi back into the old part of Annecy, and by now the heat was building. I had seen pictures of the town and it truly lived up to its utter beauty, can understand why it is called “The Venice of the Alps” with it’s winding canals, cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses. Although it was quite busy, it didn’t have a “touristy” feel and just oozed with history.

We wandered around the cobbled streets along the canals until we found a café for lunch, beside the water and in the shade with a good breeze. So pleasant sitting with a cold beer and a really good lunch (had the local speciality of Tartiflette) people watching.  Ange and I needed a bit of retail therapy and left the guys chilling, had a few things in the bag when we came back. Meandered through the park and down to the lake before heading back into town and getting a taxi back to camp. The temperature was now 34 degrees .

Matt is always looking for a challenge and decided a 45 km ride right around Lake Annecy on Ian’s bike would be a good way to finish the day. Ange and I went for a swim…and Ian chilled! We were having our first wine when Matt arrived back 2 ½ hours later, he had enjoyed his ride although got himself a bit lost riding negotiating town.

And the tomatoes we bought at the market were just so juicy, sweet and with so much flavour especially on the sourdough bread with some Greek feta. A perfect way to round off a great day. Tomorrow we are all leaving the alps and heading for a wine growing region to do a few tastings.

Market tomatoes

Had to laugh at these salami's

Outside the town hall.

Yummy dinner

Camp lads!