|
The French Alps provide magnificent scenery, tranquil
lakes, atmospheric medieval towns and fresh clean air
to revivify even the weariest of holidaymakers.
With its dramatic backdrop of sharp mountain peaks,
the turquoise Lake Annecy is one of Europe’s
most romantic lakes. It’s also reputed to
be the continent’s purest. Annecy
itself, capital of the Haute-Savoie province, is a
chocolate-box of a city with old quarters dating back
to the 12th century. Often referred to as
“the Venice of the Alps”, it makes a
great base for activities on and around the
lake. You can make a tour of the whole lake
either on foot or using the cycle paths; you can also
go paragliding over it or take a leisurely boat
cruise to one of the many enchanting lakeside
villages. Water skiing, jet-skiing, rowing and
fishing are all possible too.
Try and make time to visit Faverges which offers
simple summer pursuits like bathing at the source of
Lake Annecy and walking in the surrounding
mountains. Also within close proximity is Le
Semnoz, a vast nature reserve and protected mountain
with views from the summit of the legendary
Mont-Blanc on a clear day. Discover the
fast-flowing waterfall at Angon or Menthon with its
fairytale castle, said to have inspired Walt Disney
himself. Then there’s Talloires, a
picturesque resort created around an 11th century
monastery. Cézanne painted several
well-known views of the lake from here. If you
can, squeeze in a trip to the impressive Gorges du
Fier canyon.
Northwest of Annecy lies a popular hiking path that
crosses the ridge of the Montagne de Vuache with a
view out over Geneva and at Aillon-le-Jeune in the
forest mountain range of Les Bauges, nature lovers
can follow a wild orchid trail. Les Bauges is
also a major centre for hang gliding. The
mountains in this part of the world are home to a
multitude of little-known herbs that the Savoyards
use in cooking. One of France’s most
famous chefs, Marc Veyrat, finds ingredients like
briar and meadowsweet here to create his signature
dishes. With hints of verbena, mint and
aniseed, Genépi is a sparkling yellow liqueur
said to be good for digestion as well as a cure for
mountain sickness. Other regional specialities
include lean charcuterie from the Arve valley,
Reblochon cheese made in the Aravis area and Cloches
d’Annecy, bell-shaped chocolates filled with
hazelnut praline.
Located in the Provence Alpes,
Serre-Ponçon is Europe's largest artificial
lake (20km long). It was formed in 1955
following the construction of the 124m dam of
Serre-Poncon that was built across the Durance, with
the Ubaye river feeding into it. Its beautiful
shores are set in dramatic scenery surrounded by the
Hautes Alpes and Alpes de Hautre Provence mountains.
The many beaches and picturesque villages that
surround the lake and the provence climate
(300 days of sunshine a year) make it one of the
most attractive destination of the Provence Alpes
Cotes d'Azur region.
From the various beaches there is a huge range of
water-based activities available (sailing,
windsurfing, kite-surf, water ski, jet ski,
boating, canoeing, swimming, ringos, banana ribs,
fishing …) and from the small harbour at
Savines-le-Lac there are boat excursions on the lake.
More on http://www.serre-poncon.com/gb/index.html
Savines-le-Lac, La Sauze du Lac, Chorges and Embrun
are some of the most visited villages around the lake
and there is at least one traditional market in one
of the villages each day. See list on
http://www.serre-poncon.org/marches.htm
There is a large choice of daily outings such as
Barcelonnette in the very scenic Ubaye Valley, the
famous Gorges du Verdon. The more southern Provence
and its famous Lavender fields is a mere one hour
drive away. The Mediterranean sea and its beaches is
2 1/2 hours away.
Other activities around the lake include
mountain biking, parapenting over the lake, hiking,
and cycling which is hugely popular around the lake.
St-Jean Montclar is in the Provence Alpes mountains,
a mere 10 mins drive from the lake and its nearest
beach below the picturesque St Vincent des Forts.
|
|
The pretty as a picture resort of Annecy sits
on the shores of one of Europe’s most
romantic lakes whose waters are reputed to be
the purest in Europe. Annecy’s the
perfect spot for watersports for all the family
to enjoy together.
|
|
Elegant and sophisticated, the classy spa town
of Evian les Bains is still a fashionable
option for those in the know. Evian is
poetically known as the pearl of Lake Geneva
and is surrounded by dramatic scenery.
|
|
It is a real family resort, with a friendly
atmosphere and is situated in the southern
section of the Alps, in the district of the
Alpes de Haute Provence, near the
Serre-Ponçon lake.
|
|
The elegant spa town of Evian
sits on the southern shores of Lake Geneva,
known locally as Lac Léman. Facing
Switzerland and the foothills of the Chablais
pre-Alps, it retains all the charm of its
heyday as a fashionable Edwardian resort
frequented by the aristocracy. It is also
of course the birthplace of Evian mineral
water, historically believed to cure kidney
trouble and nervous disorders. Today,
more than four million bottles of Evian water
are produced every day in the factory where
visitors can learn more about the bottling
process. On the lake itself, take a
paddle steamer over to the Swiss side, discover
the water gardens which are only accessible by
boat, or go sailing or surfboarding.
Those with a head for heights might fancy
flying high along the banks in a hot air
balloon. However you choose to spend your
time, be sure to uncork a bottle or two of fine
Rhône wine at the end of another
action-packed day.
|
|
|
