130. Annecy - France

 The 1-hour drive to Annecy was fairly straightforward, and our accommodation was across from Lake Annecy, with the Old Town being a 15-minute walk. Again, the weather was kind to us, and it only started raining on the day we left. 

The Old Town is a must-see when travelling in the area. A canal weaves its way through the centre of town with a multitude of amazing buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes. 




Lake Annecy






These croissants were 30cm long! They even had Max's name on them!


We were fortunate to also be there when the street market was on. The range of fresh produce was impressive, with the cheese stalls being our favourite.



Two nights were enough to take in the atmosphere, architecture and local cuisine. We found the people very friendly and happy to chat to us. In talking to the manager at our hotel, we found out that real estate was too expensive to buy if working locally as the wages were quite low, Subsequently, a large number of them got jobs in Switzerland, where the wages are much higher, enabling them to purchase property in Annecy. Two hours car travel each way is the price they pay, not based on the distance, but the volume of traffic that clogs the roads on this daily round trip.

We then drove to Avize, in the south of the Champagne district, where we stayed a night to break the 7-hour trip back to Calais.

It was a sleepy little village that fortunately had a family-owned winery that was open. Oliver Sugot is the 4th generation of his family line that grows the grapes and makes the champagne. While we struggled through the arduous task of tasting some of the varieties,  Oliver was happy to explain the history and aspects of the manufacturing process.


Real champagne. And yes, one can taste the difference!


The following day, we drove to Calais and boarded the Eurotunnel train for the trip back to the UK. Australians now require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK. Lucky for Max, she has a UK passport, whereas I, had to apply days before and then answer a few questions at the border before being allowed back in the UK.

Comments

  1. GabiApril 27, 2025 at 8:38 PM

    Did you pick up a bottle or two to go?😁

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 27, 2025 at 9:21 PM

    Beautiful.....love those old towns

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 28, 2025 at 1:54 AM

    Stunning photos yet again. U

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 28, 2025 at 8:58 AM

    Sounds like a great trip, Max I have a UK passport too, came to Oz in 54 on my mother's ha ha but I'm an Ozzie 👍

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 29, 2025 at 3:08 AM

    Love your sharing Paul and Max. I had 2wks in Quillan last year. Just loved it. Our favourite place early morning coffee at the patisserie. Yes had heard you now need an ETA now. Deb.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousApril 30, 2025 at 2:14 AM

    This beautiful place has been added to my list! Great photos- especially the duck 😂

    ReplyDelete

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