After a late start to the day, probably because of our long drive the day before, we headed out to explore the Lac D’Annecy area. We began by heading towards downtown, although we did not head into the old part of the city. We had been warned by several people that the traffic in the older part of town is atrocious, and to not drive there. We meandered around the lake until we came upon Chateau de Menthon Saint-Bernard.
This 1,000 year old castle is still inhabited, and offers tours of some parts of the castle. Although it was all in French, we still enjoyed the tour guides dressed in costume and taking on roles of castle inhabitants during its day, and we could make out the general idea from the small English guide book. Beautifully maintained, the Chateau gives you an idea of life in a French Castle a thousand years ago. If the name sounds familiar, its because St. Bernard was a mountaineer who made many of the mountain passes safe for travellers and gave his name to the famous rescue dogs of the mountains, St. Bernards.
We continued around the lake on our drive around the lake, which is well worth the effort. The small towns on the lake shore are very cute and quaint, and include Talloires and Sevrier, our home base for the week.
Take a drive to the top of Col de la Forclaz. Popular with cyclists, the top of this mountain offers panoramic views of Lac D’Annecy, and one the right days, the chance to watch paragliders and hangliders launch form its lofty perch. You might even be able to see someone taking off on this webcam.
yours in travel,
the travel bum