Tandems in Annecy

Originally we thought this weekend we would be up in Autrans trying to skate on nordic skis however the weather looked terrible so we opted to have an overnight trip to Annecy instead. Saturday morning saw us on the train to Annecy. Located 100km north of Grenoble, the train trip took 1.45hrs.

We found our 'hotel' easily and were able to leave our big bag there. I say 'hotel' as that is what Andy thought he'd booked. On entering the premises we climbed up to the third floor where we were shown to our room within an apartment and wondered what we had gotten ourselves into! We needn't worried though as the owner Christine was lovely. It seems that she combines her wedding dress making business with providing accomodation. Our breakfast was taken in the adjacent room - a central table was surrounded by sewing machines, mannequins and other sewing paraphernalia.



Exiting our apartment, we turned a corner and soon realised why Annecy has the nickname 'Venice of the Alps'. Despite the grey clouds threatening to burst open, Annecy was beautiful. Down by the lake we found a bike hire shop and subsequently hired two tandem bikes!



A lap of the lake was 40km and probably out of our reach, especially considering weather conditions, timing and some family members being still a little sick. Instead, we headed in an anti clockwise direction and would ride until we had had enough - then return by the same route.



The girls loved the tandem bikes. It was a bit stop starty to being with as we sorted out seat heights and clothing but eventually we got into a rhythm.

Our first break was at the marina at Sevier. We were on the lookout for a place to eat but could only see expensive-looking restaurants. After taking a few snaps we continued on hoping to find a boulangerie and thankfully came across one in the next village, Saint Jorioz, just as it started to rain. We were glad to be inside in the warmth and filling our tummies.

  

 

Unfortunately it was still lightly raining as we began again. We had decided to try to make it to Duingt. The cycle path heads inland and we can no longer by the lake edge instead riding through the countryside. The weather wasn't being very kind to us and without gloves our fingers were getting rather cold. We detoured off the cycle path through the small laneways of Duingt.

   

From a small public park, we see the picturesque Chateau de Duingt, an old fortress originally built in the 13th century and transformed to its current style in the 18th and 19th century. Again despite the grey gloomy clouds, you can see why it was a favourite subject for famous painters like Cezanne.

 

The rain once again began to fall, sealing our decision to retrace our path back to Annecy. We swapped girls on the way back - Andy got Katy (the little power booster) while I got Ella (who enjoyed to 'relax' on the back, apparently taking photos!). The trip back was much faster as we felt under pressure from potentially heavier rain. All up we cycled 25km and had lots of fun on the tandem bikes.

It seemed obvious to us that after all that cycling, and being in the epicentre renown for cheese, we could indulge in a delicious dinner. We scoured the restaurants in search for tartiflette, raclette or fondue as well as kid-friendly dishes. Eventually after a few laps, everyone was happy with a restaurant overlooking the canal. Andy and I shared a fondue savoyarde (I think there was Beaufort, Comte and Emmental). The girls weren't so convinced with the idea of a cheese dipping dinner and played it safe by ordering chicken nuggets and chips!