The drive from Stuttgart to Annecy, France seemed longer than 5 hours but as usual it was worth the long hours sitting. Our route skirted us around Lake Constanz, into Switzerland then to France. Of course, the drive was typically European with its green scenery. The twisting road into Annecy was a bit longer since the more direct road was closed either for the race or construction we never found out. Didn't matter though because once he came upon the lake we were awed by the vistas. Our hotel was right on the lake which made seeing the TT even better. We only had to walk out to the road. It was a great choice of hotels and worth the extra expense. The beach at the hotel was very small but the lake wasn't very deep close to the shore. The kids could wade in pretty far and still be safe. The water was chilly but it served its purpose on the hot afternoon of the TT.
After a nights sleep we headed south toward Albertville. We stopped at a grocery store to get some lunch items and then continued on our way toward the race stage for the day. We drove to the area via a very small, narrow, windy road. There wasn't a lot of traffic other than bike traffic. That was good because passing the few cars we saw was difficult. It was a one way lane most of the way. We came across a couple of signs that said the road was closed due to the TdF but we were able to park the car at the point the riders began this particular climbing stage. Since we were there 3 hours early we chose to climb the hill to find the perfect spot. Obviously other fans had the same idea. There were lots of switchbacks which made for the perfect viewing area. About half way through our hike up the hill the tour caravan came through. It made for a nice distraction. We loaded up on our share of loot and kept climbing. We staked out a spot about half way up and ate lunch. It started to rain and lucky the spot we picked was by a building with an overhang. The wind that came with the rain cell made it a bit chilly so we hid under the roof until the riders screamed by. It wasn't a long wait. The green jersey lead the way up the hill soon followed by the chase group. The peloton followed close behind with the yellow jersey making his way back after a wheel problem. A long wait makes for short entertainment in a bike race. We began the hike down only to find one last biker struggling up the hill. He of course received the biggest cheers. I guess everyone realized how much work it is to get up the hill on foot much less to peddle up their second climb of the day with 2 more to go!
We made it down the hill faster the cars because the road was still closed. It definitely pays to use the car to get the race quicker but its easier to bike or walk out! We stopped for a coke at the bottom of the hill to let the traffic subside. We made it back to our hotel in time to see the end of the days stage on the tv and swim a bit in the lake. Dinner was a restaurant near the hotel. It too was on the lake so the kids could play near the water while we waited. I like how Europeans take their well mannered dogs everywhere. Seems like each establishment has a mascot of some kind.
The next morning was all about the lake and the time trial. A short hike or run in the morning got us all back to the hotel in time for the caravan to pass so we could collect what we already got the day before. Twenty-six hats later......We waited to cheer our on favorite riders alternating with dips in the lake, food runs to the room, or tv viewing to see the current stage results. It was a hot day and while the riders complained of a head wind the breeze we had was that of the riders riding past at 30 mph! After the yellow jersey passed and the caravan that came with him it was back to the room to see the results. Then back out to the lake for paddle boating. Of course this is when it decides to thunderstorm so paddling boating was really a bad idea but since it was the kids first experience with a paddle boat we couldn't stop to go back. A quick dry off and shower and we went to get a pizza. Plenty of places closer to town to get a pizza. I had three choices of establishments on one corner. I think I chose pretty well even though I probably had to wait longer. I've never seen a pizza so meticulously made, baked in a brick oven by the fire and delivered to me. It was worth it. We ate back in the room watching the replay of the days events while the kids ate outside making friends while watching swans. I failed to mention the hotel had "rivers" running through the property. Obviously, the canals serve to bring the water from the mountain to the lake in the spring and the swans use it daily.
Our last day we visited the old town of Annecy. We drove the same road the bikers rode for the time trial. It took them roughly 40 minutes to get around the lake. It took us over an hour! We parked in a lot close to the large passenger boats that take visitors around the lake. Annecy is hoping to host the 2018 Olympics. Its a beautiful place to host the games and I hope they succeed. I hope I can make it back to the games in 2018. The town has its modern facilities and areas as all towns do but of course everyone rushes to the old town as did we. Its a pretty location with its architecture. The market is lively and full of good things to eat and purchase. We visited the "castle" which is now a museum. We purchased a combination ticket which allowed us into the "castle" and the prison. The "castle" was briefly used as a castle in its day and also used as a government facility. It was saved from destruction by the museum. Its now an art museum with areas devoted to the local area and fishing. It doesn't forget its history though and points out the features of the 'castle' and what they were for such as the tower which held the king's wife when she complained of his many mistresses. The castle was a short walk back into town. The prison was used as both a prison and place to make money. A brief brochure received from the desk explains the many features of the prison from the interrogation rooms to the holding rooms and kitchen to the cells. One interesting fact is the visitors to the prison. In the most recent times the cells held those opposing Germany in WWII preserving the prisoners writing on the walls.
I learned a bit of French before arriving but didn't find it necessary. While we did fumble through our French as often as we could we found the residents of Annecy in all areas spoke plenty of English. I did notice the many English speaking visitors. It seems this whole area is a regular stopping ground for the English. Many restaurants advertise English menus. Not sure if those are the places you want to eat at but it is helpful if you're not familiar with the language.
I have read and heard Annecy if the prettiest place in France. I'm sure about that but it sure was worth the effort to get there and the time we spent was outstanding. I'd love to go back in the winter to ski and just to see the sites. Its a must see on any travelers list.
