Annecy: France’s exciting outdoor capital

As the Pearl of the French Alps, Annecy is arguably one of the most diverse destinations in all of France – and maybe even in Europe. Nestled between majestic mountains and the gentle shores of Lac d’Annecy, this charming place is the perfect base for mountain lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With its stunning Old Town full of historic sights, quaint cafés, and lovely townhouses, history buffs and romantics are sure to get their fix as well. If none of these pique your interest, the huge number of exciting annual events the city hosts surely will. It’s impossible to be bored here!

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Annecy – perfect your French and hit the ski slopes!

Annecy is a hidden gem for Skiers / snowboarders, located just an hour’s drive of more than 10 major ski resorts. Why not combine your French course in Annecy with weekend excursions to the slopes and a spot of après ski!

Annecy is only an hour away from The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) the largest ski domain in the Alps with 600km of prepared and maintained pistes. The slopes connect the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, La Tania, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I myself have spent a ski season in The Three Valleys and can vouch for it being one of the best locations that I have ever snowboarded!

If you want to ski closer to Annecy, why not visit the ski resort “La Clusaz” , just 30 minutes drive away . If you like, you can follow your morning French classes with half a day’s skiing in the afternoon , as it is so close!

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Two essentials for a trip to Annecy: your camera, and your ID!

If you choose to attend a course in Annecy, be sure take a good camera as this is a particularly photogenic town!

The crisp mornings are my favourite time of day with the sun just rising, the mist swirling low over the lake and all around, the beautiful snow-capped mountains covered with evergreen trees.

The town itself is also a joy to explore with a mediaeval centre in the shadow of Annecy castle which took 4 centuries to complete.

Of particular interest is the Palais de l’Ile. This is a 12th Century building in the middle of one of the town’s main canals and with a triangular shape which resembles the bow of a stone ship heading out on to the lake. This is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in France!

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