Around and about Visit

Around and about Visit the 1000 year old Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard overlooking Lake Annecy. A saint was born here and his descendants still live here. Read more Take a detour to Thones, just 20km from Annecy (about 30mins by bus) this buzzing, vibrant mountain town will give you a flavour of village life half way between the city and the resorts of the Aravis Massif, the Annecy mountains. Go on a Saturday to enjoy the market and if you’re lucky enough to be there when the food festival is on, first weekend of September – you’re in for a serious treat. Tourist office: thonescoeurdesvallees.com Make for Manigod, 5km from Thones. An impossibly beautiful mountain village with the most astonishing views. Read more Faverges just 25km from Annecy is a fascinating little town with a wonderful Wednesday morning market. The town is in a glacial valley which gave birth to Lake Annecy. In the summer the area holds a Festival des Cabanes, arty cabins dotted throughout the exquisite countryside, on the edge of lakes, alongside waterfalls, up mountains. Take a treasure hunt tour to see them all. Climb the 13th century tower of the Chateau de Faverges. Visit the excellent Archaeological museum of Viuz-Faverges with its fascinating collection of Roman artefacts from the local area. Discover the grotto and waterfall of

Seythenex at the food of the Bauges Massif. And book a guided tour of the area known as Faverges-Seythenex which takes in several of the most beautiful villages in the area. Pop to the tourist office in Faverges for what’s on when you’re there: Place Marcel Piquand. Doussard (in the Faverges-Seythenex commune) is like stepping into the past. A picturesque bridge over a bubbling river, houses that look like they’ve popped out of a fairy tale, flowers everywhere. You’ll remember that you’re in the 21st century when you look up on sunny days though, there’s a landing pad here for the dare devil paragliders who have launched themselves from the Col de la Forclaz! You’ll also find here the Bout du Lac nature reserve. Stay I stayed at Le Boutik Hotel, with one door opening onto the lake and another door opening onto the old town of Annecy – it’s in an ideal location. The rooms are all unique in this elegant mansion house so pick what suits you: retro-vintage, Scandi – interior designer and owner Delphine has great style. And the beds are super comfy. The hotel also has a concept store full of fabulous things you’ll fall for and a lovely little café, perfect for brunch at the weekends. leboutikhotel.com