Annecy

 

Quite possibly the most perfect town on the planet.  Let's see, crystal clear, tranquil Alpine lake - check.  Medieval town center with original charm - check.  Beautiful, carefully jumbled canals and bridges - check.  Vibrant new town center with chilled-out happy people - check.  Pristine snow-capped mountains reflected in the glassy lake - check.

Apparently it's Winter.  Tell that to the hundreds of pique-nique-ing families sunning themselves on the grass next to the lake.  If this is Winter - i want more!

This is les Pont des Amours - the Lover's Bridge.

This is the classic shot of Annecy, le Palais de l'Isle, which started life as the residence of the Lord of Annecy, and seems to have a similar history to the Tower of London where, after being a mint, it ended up being a prison - le Prison Vieillle - the Old Prison.  It actually looks similar to the Tower.

We ate lunch at a cute little cafe on the edge of the canal.  The sun was setting behind the old buildings on the hill and we managed to find the last table that was in the sun.

And this was our view of the canal.  You can't see from this photo, but unlike Venice and London, the river is perfectly clear.

Suffice to say we had a wonderful time, sitting by the lake enjoying the peaceful Alpine surrounds - we liked Annecy a lot.