A+ for Annecy and the Alps

I took a whirlwind day trip to Annecy today, beginning at 5 am. It’s a process to get out of Aix; it’s a 35 minute walk to the bus station, and then a 20 minute ride to the train station…and then, finally, the real journey can begin.

Colorful restaurants besides Annecy's river

And begin it did.

We had delays on our ride to Lyon, only to arrive and find that our next train had been canceled. You aren’t truly in France if your transportation isn’t interrupted by a strike at least once!

But we did eventually reach Annecy, a charming little town known as “the Venice of the Alps.” I was glad to see snow on top of a few of the peaks (as proof of winter), though I was also happy for the 50 degree weather and cloudless sky.

We peaked in at the Annecy Castle, which dates to the 12th century and once housed the Counts of Geneva.

We climbed steep hills and several flights of narrow steps to reach the Saint Pierre Cathedral perched on top of the hill.

Next, we strolled through the old town and poised for pictures by the Palais d’Isle. The Palais was also built in the 12th century and has served as a home for local nobility, a courthouse, a mint, and a prison.

And finally, we walked over to Lac d’Annecy and enjoyed the sunshine and the views.

But our adventure was not over yet.

At the train station we found that yet another train had been canceled. I frantically bought tickets for a bus to Geneva and made it just in time. Thank you, French transportation workers, for spicing up my adventures and adding some notes of panic to an otherwise peaceful and spectacular day! 🙂