I'm looking for info on Les Balcons du Lac d'Annecy (apparently a "village-vacance" or holiday village), where we will stay while my husband attends a conference May 25-31. I can't find any traveler reviews. I think it used to be called Sevrier Lac d'Annecy, and the address indicates it is in Sevrier (not in the town of Annecy). There is only the most general info on the web link provided by the conference organizer.
Since I will need to entertain myself while my husband is at the conference, and we will not have a car, what can I do on my own using public transportation? Would a day trip to Geneva be easy and worthwhile? I am more interested in scenery and culture than in shopping.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Sevrier is a small lake-side village 2.5 miles south of Annecy--you said you like scenery and you're certainly in the right spot for that. You could take a boat trip onto the lake, perhaps from Sevrier, maybe from your hotel, and certainly from Annecy. If you can get to Annecy, Geneva is 2 hours by regional train or bus, one way (a surprisingly long travel time considering the # of miles Annecy is from Geneva). Considering the travel time, it may be that you're more comfortable with the idea of exploring Annecy. Ask at the hotel which morning(s) is market day in Annecy. The Annecy Old Town is a Michelin 2-star/recommended attraction. Your challenge will be to get to Annecy without a car: it's close enough that perhaps the hotel has a shuttle or at least they can call a taxi to take you to Annecy.
Posted by
OP
Rockville, MD, USA
15 posts
Thanks, Kent, that's very helpful. Are there any other towns around the lake worth visiting, if there is a local bus or shuttle?
I'm still hoping to hear from anyone who has stayed at Les Balcons and can tell me something about the lodging and facilities at this village-vacance. They seem to have both rooms and "gites"; we are staying in a room.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
There aren't any others that are in the guidebooks. You could ask locally to get some ideas. Going out on the lake and exploring Annecy should keep you busy for a couple of days. And maybe then you'll decide to make the longer tripto Geneva. To get to Annecy, it's only 2.5 miles from your hotel so even if there are no shuttles and taxi shouldn't cost that much.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Pat - I know exactly the hotel you mention. It's along the main road south from Annecy and is on the lake. It's on a narrow, busy road so walking from there wouldn't be easy. We had a car but decided to stay in Annecy itself because we hate to stay where we can't walk to places at night. It looked like a great scenic location, but for the surroundings, not so much...
Posted by
North Vancouver
15 posts
Chambery is a nice town to wander around in - if you
can figure out how to get there. Culture and history.
I would ask your question on Slowtrav France forum -
there are many French experts there who should be
able to give you info.
Posted by
OP
Rockville, MD, USA
15 posts
Thanks for all the info and suggestions. I looked at SlowTrav but didn't find anything specific. Guess I'll have to wait to get there to see what info and services the hotel can provide.