Annecy, France: Day 3

 October 2 - "The Venice of the Alps"

This morning we departed the hotel at 8:30 for an 8:45am departure as we traveled across the border into France on an hour & a half scenic drive to visit the quaint little town of Annecy, France.  Situated right on picturesque Lake Annecy, which was the first thing we saw as we disembarked the busses, we set out on an about one-hour walking tour of the old, medieval town.  It quickly became obvious, as you'll see from the photos below, just why this is labeled the "Venice of the Alps."  Such amazing photo ops.  One of the first places we passed was a huge ice cream shop and our guide told us that Annecy is also known for having THE BEST ice cream in the area.  As we walked around we had to have passed at least ten different ice cream shops - but none as big as the first.  So, after our tour we had free time.  We made our way back to the big ice cream shop where we enjoyed some of the local flavors.  I couldn't help but take in the moment.  As I said to Kim, we could have been sitting at the local Cold Stone enjoying delicious ice cream, but our view would have been of the Winn Dixie parking lot.  Instead we were in a medieval town in France and as I looked to the left, there was a bridge over a canal with rushing water providing the background ambience....and as I looked to the right, there was the lake sitting at the base of the French Alps.  WOW......THAT is one of the many reasons we love to travel :)

Tomorrow morning we depart Switzerland on a nearly five hour adventure as we make a lunch stop in Dijon, France before arriving at the AMACello - our ship and home for the next week and change as we begin the cruise portion of the adventure!  Enjoy today's photos.

This morning we were greeted by mostly clear skies and upper 50's as we looked out over the courtyard from our window

Our pals Steve & Mary - met them when we went to Iceland with a similar travel group that we've joined for this adventure

The first of the canal views

The rushing rapids in the canals

The Annecy "Island Palace"

The medieval city gate into the Olde Towne

The second canal view

The oldest house (circa 1500) - and it's for sale!

Canal view number 3

The Savoy Castle of Annecy

Canal view #4

Can't beat "ice cream with a view" :)

Lake view with the French Alps in the background

Because it was forecast to barely reach 60 I wore my Miami (Oh) REDSKINS hoodie today.  As we waited to board our bus this morning, the couple we'd sat next to on the bus yesterday and chatted with came up.  The wife asked, "Did you graduate from Miami?  Because we both did as well!"  Nearly every time I wear a Miami shirt I get some comment :)

Our guide said this spot was the most romantic spot for a phot - OK :)