Annecy, in the French Alps

This was a Spring Break first for us: we made a last-minute travel decision based almost entirely on the weather. Husband said he was not about to spend the last four days of the break (following mid-week removal of The Boy's braces!) anywhere chilly or rainy. And that was that! So we waited until the day before we planned to leave to make a decision on a country and a city. Based on something from my Pinterest Travel Love board, combined with a very promising weather forecast, we chose the town of Annecy, France, about six hours southwest of here.

Since it wasn't High Season there quite yet, we were able through airbnb to book a quirky, fully-stocked apartment in the heart of the Old Town for four nights. We stood on the living room balcony to take this photo.

Above is a view from the window that opens out onto the balcony. We overlooked the most photographed building in Annecy, the Old Prison.

We cooked and ate most of our meals in the apartment, at this long, old farm table.

There was so much good food to be had. The cheeses were, unsurprisingly, a major highlight. The Boy became a big fan of the regional Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie. We shopped for food in the Monoprix just around the corner and also at the outdoor market, which we got to visit twice during our visit.

The lake? Really calm and beautiful--it's one of the purest in Europe. You can go on boat tours or rent a paddle boat to take out yourself. Swimming is allowed in certain areas during warmer months. 

Annecy is known for its canals. It's often called "Little Venice of the Alps."

Those are my three dudes, right there. The one in the middle got hissed at by a swan. It could easily have happened to the one on the right, who as a youngster was bitten by an ostrich, kicked by a pony, terrorized by praying mantises, and nibbled on by rabbits and goats. I'd say it's unlikely he'll work in a zoo or become a rancher or beekeeper. 

But back to Lac d'Annecy. See how clear the water is? The air is crisp here, and everything feels clean. 

Annecy is just a truly lovely place, and I recommend it to anyone planning a visit to the French Alps. I'll be back with more photos.