The French Alps - France 2014 - page 1206

Tb-€96, Qb-€108, Wi-Fi, 12 Rue de la Poste, tel. [phone], www.hotelannecy.com ,
[e-mail] ).
$ Hôtel Central* isjustthat.RunbyfriendlyownerCorinne,thismodestandhomey
place, behind an ivy-covered courtyard off a big pedestrian street, makes a good bare-
bones budget option (Db-€65, Tb-€85, Qb-€110, breakfast-€6, Wi-Fi, 6 bis Rue Royale,
tel. [phone], www.hotelcentralannecy.com , [e-mail] ).
At the Foot of the Château
These places are in a quiet area, a steep five-minute walk up from the old town on Rampe
du Château.
At $$ Residences les Jardins du Château, welcoming owner Jean-Paul has created
an urban refuge above the fray near the château entry. It has a small garden and a view
terrace, along with eight simple but comfy rooms—there are no phones or TVs, but all
come with kitchenettes to prepare yourownmeals. Jean-Paul doubles as a mountain guide
and offers a wealth of information (Db-€70-120 depending on room size and season, good
family rooms, cash only, no refunds, Wi-Fi, 1 Place du Château, tel. [phone],
www.jardinduchateau.sitew.com , [e-mail] ).
$$ Hôtel du Château**, an unpretentious place barely below the château, comes
with a view terrace and 15 simple, spotless rooms; about half have views. It's first-
come, first-get for the precious few free parking spots (Db-€83, Tb-€94, Qb-€105, con-
tinental breakfast-€8, guest computer, Wi-Fi, 16 Rampe du Château, tel. [phone],
www.annecy-hotel.com , [e-mail] ).
Eating in Annecy
Althoughthetouristyoldcityiswell-stockedwithforgettablerestaurants,I'vefoundafew
worthy places. And though you'll pay more to eat with views of the river or canal, the
experience is uniquely Annecy. The ubiquitous and sumptuous gelati shops remind you
how close Italy is. If it's sunny, assemble a gourmet picnic at the arcaded stores and dine
lakeside.
Le Cochon à l'Oreille (“The Pig'sEar”) isameat lover'snirvana.JustofftheThiou
canal, it welcomes you with a leafy courtyard and a raucous, higgledy-piggledy interior.
Amicable owners “Fred” and Jean speak enough English (and fluent pig) and are serious
about their cooking (ask to see their pig collection). The accent is on fresh products and
meat dishes (particularly ham and pork) though good fish options are available. Melted
cheese is not their thing (€18 menu changes weekly, daily for lunch and dinner, Quai du
Perrière, tel. [phone]).