The French Alps - France 2014 - page 1204

You'llpassthroughAnnecy'sforestimmediatelyafterleavingthecity,thenclimbpasttree
level to grandiose views over the high Alps featuring Monsieur Blanc. Just before the top,
you'llpassagreatsummerluge(Luged'Eté,€3.70/ride,€16/5rides,openJuly-Augdaily,
May-June and Sept-Oct Wed, Sat-Sun, and holidays). Carry on, climbing above the luge
area, pass the hotel, and park when you see the chalet-café Le Courant d'Ere (fun place
foradrink,snacks,orameal,opendaily,tel.[phone]).Climbtothechairliftstation
abovethecaféforamagnificent panoramainalldirections.Youcanalsotakea bus tothis
viewpoint. Ligne d'Eté buses to Le Semnoz leave from the Annecy train station (€5.50/
round-trip, 6/day, daily July-Aug, Sat-Sun only in June, none Sept-May, 40 minutes, stops
at the luge on way up, details at TI).
Col de la Forclaz: For drop-dead gorgeous views that take in the entire lake, drive
18 miles from Annecy (allow 45 minutes one-way) to Col de la Forclaz. Start by taking
busy D-1508 south toward Albertville. Three kilometers (about one mile) after leaving the
lake at Doussard, turn left on D-42 (signed Col de la Forclaz ), then wind your way up a
narrow lane for five miles past lovely scenery to the Col de la Forclaz (3,600 feet). Look
out for cyclists on this climb. At the top, you'll find a sensational viewpoint, cafés and
restaurants, and paragliders galore. Several outfits offer a chance to jump off a cliff and
sail over the lake, including the appropriately named Adrenaline Parapente ( www.annecy-
parapente.com ). This trip ties in very well with the scenic route to Chamonix via D-1508;
it also works well as a loop back to Annecy (follow D-42 down to Menthon-St-Bernard
from the Col de la Forclaz).
Sleeping in Annecy
Annecyispopular,particularlyonweekendsandduringthesummer.Hotelratesdropfrom
about mid-October through late April and increase in summer. Most hotels can help you
find free overnight parking (in lots, usually after 19:00 until 9:00 in the morning). Unless
otherwise noted, these hotels do not have elevators. For more hotel listings, try the site for
Annecy's TI: www.lac-annecy.com .
In the Town Center
This part of town is pedestrian-friendly and comes with some noise.
$$$ Splendid Hôtel*** decorates Annecy's busy, parkfront street and makes an im-
pression with its grand, American-style facade. Inside, rooms are well-appointed and pub-
lic spaces are comfy (Db-€125-155, suites-€170, extra person-€15, breakfast-€14, air-con,
elevator, big beds, guest computer, Wi-Fi, bar, terrace, 4 Quai Eustache Chappuis, tel. 04
50 45 20 00, www.splendidhotel.fr , [e-mail] ) .