Annecy - Jewel in the French Alps

Annecy the “Little Venice of the Alps” and capital of the department of Haute Savoie, has been a thriving trading community since ancient times. In the Roman era it was an important trading centre for goods crossing the Alps as well as those moving North and South across Europe. This businesslike tradition has continued to this day with a very important addition, Tourism.

Haute Savoie today offers the visitor many choices. Winter sports, established mainly by the English in the mid 1800’s when many of the mountain peaks were first conquered, are the best known.

Well-developed resources have turned skiing and snowboarding as well as snow shoeing into major sporting activities.

In summer there are many activities for all the family. These include mountain walking, with fabulous mountain views, mountain biking on remote tracks and pony trekking.

Paragliding had its European debut here just above Lake Annecy and is a popular sport with many well known clubs and schools to initiate the beginner into the joys of free flight.

Lake Annecy is reputed to be the cleanest lake in Europe and there are all sorts of water sports from sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding to just lazing on the beaches and paddling. There are also swimming pools with diving boards and water slides.

The other great sport, which is practised by inhabitants and visitors alike, is that of gastronomy. This is an area noted for its cheeses and hams and has some of the finest restaurants in France. It also has some of the nicest little restaurants where you can enjoy the local produce informally.

Close to Annecy and an ideal place to base oneself for a holiday is Chalet Largo.

This large chalet is ideal for large family groups.

Chalet Largo is in the picturesque village of Le Grand Bornand which on each Wednesday has a street market for the local farming population. Le Grand Bornand is also the centre of Reblochon cheese, one of the few to be awarded the prestigious Appellation Controlee label.

Le Grand Bornand is an unspoilt village and retains its traditions which are solidly based on farming and cheese making. As you walk in the clear fresh air of the mountains you will hear the gentle tone of the bells throughout the summer months as the cattle and goats peacefully graze the alpine pastures.