The French Alps - France 2014 - page 1207

L'Escargot sitsnearthelakeandoffersclassicbistrofareatdecentprices.It'sawel-
coming place with indoor and outside seating and a good selection of wines by the glass
(€15 two-course menu , €9-12 for good plats du jour , closed Mon-Tue, 12 Faubourg des
Annonciades, tel. [phone]).
Le Chalet , ideally located along the river, features French and Italian classics in all
price ranges. Sit in the cozy, wood-paneled interior or choose canalfront outdoor seating
(€28-43 menus , pizza, and good à la carte choices, closed Sun, Quai de l'Evêché, tel. 04
50 51 82 55).
Le Freti, withalightheartedwaitstaff,isthemostreliablerestaurantforlocalcuisine
I've found in Annecy. It's the place to go for mouthwatering fondue, raclette, or anything
with cheese. Each booth comes with its own outlet for melting raclette (€12-14 fondue,
good salads and onion soup, cheap wine, open daily, walk through door at 12 Rue Ste.
Claire and go upstairs, tel. [phone]).
If Le Freti sounds too cheesy, go next door to Café l'Estaminet for some pub grub.
You'llgetsalads,omelets,pasta,mussels,fries,andmoreforfairprices.Asliverofaback-
yard deck hangs over the river (daily in summer, closed Sun evening and Mon off-season,
8 Rue Ste. Claire, tel. [phone]).
L'Etage isagoodchoiceifyoucan'tdecidewhatyouwant.Regionalspecialtiesand
a good range of standard brasserie fare are served at respectable prices. Dine along the
pedestrian street terrace or upstairs under wood beams around a big fireplace (€14 fondue,
€18 three-course menus , daily, 13 Rue du Paquier, tel. [phone]).
Chez Mamie Lise islikeeatinginanalpinefolkmuseum,withstuffedmountainan-
imals, rusted tools, tourists, and knickknacks everywhere. The cuisine—fondue, raclette,
and other cheese dishes—is as alpine as the decor (€25 three-course menu, daily, 11 Rue
Grenette, tel. [phone]).
Auberge du Lyonnais is a classy, well-respected riverfront eatery that specializes in
seafood (indoor and outdoor seating). The outgoing owners love Americans; ask Domi-
niqueabouthismanytripstotheStates,andabouthisFordpickup(€25-44 menus, cheaper
on weeknights, daily, 9 Rue de la République, tel. [phone]).
Lakefront Dining: Many cafés and restaurants ring Annecy's postcard-perfect lake.
If you have a car and want views, prowl the many lakefront villages. Le Bistro du Port, a
nautical place five minutes from Annecy by car, is beautifully situated at the boat dock at
the southern end of Sévrier (€35 menus , €25 plats , daily, Port de Sévrier, tel. [phone]
00).
Dessert: Whereveryoueat,don'tmissanice-cream-lickingstrollalongthelakeafter
dark. But if it's chocolate you crave, head for Yves Thuriès Chocolat (closed Sun-Mon,
13 Rue Royale, tel. [phone]).