A taste of Something Special – Lake Annecy in the French Alps Some people think they have ridden in the French Alps…experience the French Alps for yourself from Lake Annecy with a uniqueness that has to be experienced to be believed! A Taste of something special, Lake Annecy in the French Alps! At the edge of the turquoise Lac d’Annecy, surrounded to the east by the rocky peaks of La Tournette and to the west by the long wooded ridge of Le Semnoz, ANNECY is one of the most beautiful and popular resort towns of the French Alps. Often referred to as the Venice of the Alps, due to its enchanting canals but affectionally known by the born and bred locals of the Haute Savoie as the “pearl in the box”! Let’s have a taste… Start the day with a quick visit to our good friend Ulrich at his fantastic Boulangerie Patisserie. Not really sure why we said quick, who wants to be quick when you are in such a delectable place! A Croissant and Brioche Parisienne, what a great way to start the day, a couple of Baguette’s for later and what about something sweet…. ahh Macaroons, magnifique! After yesterday’s spectacular ride of Lake Annecy at a gentle pace and all our senses alive by the sights and sounds of a unique town and the French way of life, let’s explore further today…a favourite the Col du Marais. Isn’t it just great pedalling out of town with not a care in the world, as we chat and breathe in the fresh alpine air. It won’t be long before we’re beyond the edge of the lake and twisting and turning through rural country roads… you’ll never get lost but you might lose yourself in Cycling Paradise. Ohhh fantastic, we start the climb, gentle pace for those who wish and more work for those following their dreams as they challenge themselves against the splendour of these amazing roads. After 20 years of riding these routes the joy is as unbelievable today… as the very first time! I’m sure you’ll agree? Descending carefully into Thones, one of the many traditional alpine villages on route, perfect just to relax or for a bite to eat. Refuelled, feeling great and ready for more of this amazing riding as we head back to your home in ANNECY…….. The ambience of this medieval town is something to cherish, having returned from your ride, refreshed, relaxed…. was it 1 hour or 2 todays siesta, either way it feels perfect. How about a little stroll by the edge of the Lake before an “Apero” and the hardest task of the day, which superb restaurant do I experience for tonight’s culinary delights! It’s only a couple of minutes (at slow pace) before we reach the Pont des Amours (Lovers Bridge) this little iron bridge over the canal joins the gardens of Annecy and a breathtaking view over the spectacular lake and the French Alps.Alps. It’s 7.00pm it’s time that we join the rest of ANNECY for dinner…Bon Appetite and Bon Soiree. See you for another great PRACTICEBICYCLE day tomorrow.