Zee Beautiful Annecy (On-cee)

This morning we left the apartment around 9:30am to get to Annecy for lunch (when they were still serving sit-down lunch this time, hehe). The drive was beautiful.... going from hills, to mountains, to really big mountains, to really, really big mountains with snow covered caps. We found the office of tourism straight away and got a map and a few brochures on what to do in Annecy. We asked where to find a free parking lot (which we found and used!). We also asked for a restaurant recommendation... which turned out to be wonderful.

We were a little skeptical at first, especially because Maggie was unsure if she could find anything vegetarian friendly. But in the end, we were all very happy and full:) Thomas and Heather had the plat du jour or plate of the day (lamb chops and lasagna), Maggie had a very hearty salad with carrots and green beans, and I had.... dun dun dun, more cheese. Yes, I got the raclette... which interestingly enough, ended up not being the same contraption as the one I used at Laurence's house. The thing they brought out for me was a clip for a half wheel of cheese and a heater. Once the top of the cheese got hot, I lifted the contraption to scrape boiling hot cheese onto my potatoes. It was so yummy. We also sampled the house wine and the kir for an aperitif, also delicious. We left warm and ready for our self-guided walking tour.

After rolling me outside, (hehe), we went over to the lovers bridge or pont des amours. The town is similar to Chambery (in the same Savoie region, where raclette and fondue is famous), but unlike Chambery, it is full of beautiful canals, has a beautiful lake, and is very much in the French Alps. The lovers bridge is over a canal connected to the lake, so it has an amazing view. And we could't have come at a better time. The leaves are all bright orange and yellow, the weather is in the upper 50's/low 60's, and the sky was bright blue today, no clouds.

We then followed our walking tour guide brochure to see some of the main sights. We saw the beautiful Sales mansion, of the Sales family built in the 17th century. We walked through several old churches, one dating back to the 15th century (Saint Maurice). Inside the church it looks like it's caving in... but I think it's just the architecture that makes it seem that way. It also had a small trompe l'oeil painting in the back, making it seem like there was an extra room... with a creepy grave in it. We walked over canals, one passing right by the Palais de l'ile (or island palace), which was actually an old prison dating back to the 1200's. Heather and I toured the prison.... it was kinda creepy though... prison cells with bars on the windows and things scratched into the cell walls, but it had a cool inner courtyard with a tree.

And since the lake was so beautiful with the sun setting, we took a boat tour, showing amazing views of the Alps and the little Alpine villages (actually Maggie and Thomas opted for taking a walk around part of the lake in lieu of the boat tour, but they saw similar views). Anywho, when I become rich and famous, I shall buy my summer/winter ski cottage here.

We walked a round a little more and found our way to our car. I drove home (which was weird because I haven't driven in over a month now!) and we actually stopped at a McDonald's drive through of all things. But it was another experience I've yet to have... ordering in French at a drive through, check!

Tomorrow, leisurely trip to Lyon. Hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do! This is one gorgeous place!

Reste cool:)