From the age of 4, Louis Andrews grew up within the small Aravis ski resort of Manigod (a part of the big La Clusaz ski space), earlier than going to artwork college in Annecy after which transferring to Paris. He’s nonetheless an everyday face in Annecy and the Alps, the place his firm OVO Community has over 350 hand-picked self-catered chalets and flats. Right here he provides his insights into his favorite locations and actions of this stunning Alpine area…
Consuming out in Annecy
Not too long ago Annecy has seen considerably of an emergence of actually distinctive eating places. A lot in order that it has turn into an actual gastronomical hub. Whereas the eating places used to predominantly serve conventional Savoyard meals (L’Etage is a tremendous place if that is what you’re searching for), the culinary expertise has expanded to cowl a a lot wider vary of palettes. My two all time favorite eating places listed here are Brasserie Brunet and Bloomers. I really like them for the delicacies, the ambiance and simply the overall eating expertise. Alternatively, if you happen to’re searching for a tremendous sandwich on the go, there’s no higher place than Les Caprices d’Emilie which presents a selection of both Raclette, Diot or Tartiflette sandwiches which might be out of this world.
Snowboarding on Étale, La Clusaz
Étale is my favorite place to ski, interval. It’s much less crowded than wherever else I do know and is successfully one very lengthy piste. It’s steep, and positively not appropriate for novices. But when pace is your good friend and you like taking place hill on the absolute clappers there isn’t a higher place. You’ll additionally discover some nice eating places when you get to the underside – excellent for lunch or a drink on the slopes.
Summer time Bars in Annecy
Whereas there are a whole bunch of fantastic bars in Annecy two of my favourites, that are solely identified by locals, are The Woodstock Backyard and L’Oasis. The Woodstock is tucked away on Avenue de Loverchy, behind a youth hostel. It has an enormous terraced space the place you may get along with pals on a summer season night. Equally, L’Oasis in Sevrier is just too far out of city for folks to easily stumble throughout, but it is without doubt one of the greatest bars near city. It’s set proper on the lake and the ambiance is all the time relaxed, pleasant and enjoyable.
Annecy Theatre & Live shows
Though there aren’t many museums in Annecy, if you happen to’re searching for tradition then the Nationwide Theatre, Bonlieu, is about within the coronary heart of Annecy. It presents a variety of theatre, music and dance all year long. There’s additionally an area live performance corridor, Le Brise Glace, positioned near the lake, virtually behind the Marquisats seashore. It’s a very enjoyable place to go to to see stay music in a incredible ambiance.
A ship journey on Lake Annecy
There’s nothing higher to do on a scorching summer season day than to hire a ship and set off throughout Lake Annecy. Whether or not it’s a pédalo or a small pace boat, there are numerous methods to get out on the water. In the event you’re feeling adventurous I really like to move over to the Roc de Cher, a hidden rock formation on the jap shore of the lake, which is difficult to entry and solely identified by locals. There, numerous folks soar from the excessive cliffs into the lake – it isn’t for the faint of coronary heart! Alternatively there are numerous vacationer boats that may take you on a visit across the lake, with the possibility to get on and off at fairly lakeside villages reminiscent of Talloires and Menthon Saint Bernard.
Stroll Up Mont Veyrier
Mont Veyrier is emblematic of Lake Annecy and strolling up it’s one thing you actually ought to do if you happen to’re staying within the space. You can begin the stroll not removed from the centre of Annecy, and after a few hours climbing by way of the forest you’ll have a wonderful view over not solely the city under however the beautiful blue lake that stretches throughout the panorama. It’s actually mesmerising and extremely picturesque.
Lo Garajo Idea Cafe, Manigod
Lo Garajo is an previous storage that has been transformed into an idea retailer/café in Manigod. The ambiance is trendy and cosy. And the deco feels such as you’re in a cool New York house fairly than within the rural French Alps. In winter there’s a stunning wooden burning range to chill out by. However when the solar comes out the terrace is the right place to absorb the spectacular views out onto Manigod Valley. The espresso right here is nice, however there are additionally specialist beers, wines and cocktails, they usually do scrumptious apero platters. Time it proper and you’ll catch a few of their occasions, which vary from morning yoga to stay music and movie evenings. You can even take pleasure in loads of retail remedy. And, if that you must work you’ll have espresso and views to encourage you.
Lake Montriond, close to Morzine
Stunning Lake Montriond is positioned not removed from the favored mountain resort of Morzine. But the surroundings feels out of this world. You may park your automotive to the West of the Lake and stroll all the way in which round it, taking within the views. In the event you go in winter you are feeling such as you’re on the coronary heart of a winter wonderland. Whereas in summer season it’s sufficiently big to both really feel such as you’re misplaced within the wild, or benefit from the swimming space or a kayak throughout the clear waters.
Après-Ski Pub Crawl in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is one in all my favorite ski resorts. Partly it’s as a result of I grew up snowboarding right here, but in addition as a result of it’s so diversified, with one thing for all skills. What’s additionally nice about La Clusaz is that it’s simply the suitable dimension to have the ability to discover the entire city with out strolling enormous distances. This makes it ideally suited for a fast après-ski pub crawl! One itinerary that I’ve examined is to go from La Grolle, stroll as much as the Salto Pub, then round to the Bali Bar earlier than ending up at La Scierie. There are many different locations to strive – simply don’t go too arduous on the native génépi!
Discover Chamonix
In the event you come to the Alps then strive to slot in a while in Chamonix, famed world wide for its snowboarding, fashion and mountain actions. The one factor you need to do right here is take the cable automotive up the Aiguille du Midi. You’ll head as much as over 3,840 metres and will probably be standing within the coronary heart of the Mont-Blanc Massif – it truly is a panoramic expertise. However if you happen to want one thing extra stress-free, e-book into the QC Terme Spa for unbelievable views and a brilliant cool spa expertise. Or reserve a spherical of golf – the setting and the course are spectacular.
