TravelingArtista.com: 2016 France * Annecy * September 29

"I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”

~ Susan Sontag

These are intense mountains through which the train tracks pass. The protruding ledges, tree covered, tiny towns. Occasionally, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, there will be the ruin of a medieval stonewall running up the spine of a hill or a pillar with some statue atop. Or a glimpse of a chateau on a hill, quickly obscured by passing trees or a mountain tunnel.

I am adventuring out of Lyon on my own. While searching nearby sites, I notice that Annecy gets a “must see” rating – top for a day trip out of the lion city. My friend Agnès gives it her total support as well. Just 45€ round trip on this absolutely beautiful, clear autumn day.

I'm happily expectant! I get to adventure in a part of France I've yet to know. Annecy. So close to Switzerland.

"Petillante", the man called me.

I didn’t know what it meant! He graciously offered to guide me around town. I graciously declined. “Américaine” he stated. Ah, my accent. Later I learn that “petillante” means bubbly, effervescent, like champagne.

Eh ben. How can one be otherwise on a perfectly gorgeous day in Annecy?

Blue-green waters of the canals and lake, accented with white swans, grey rough-stoned mountains, white boats and flower boxes of cadmium red and spring green. The medieval stone buildings are golden and russet with black iron gates and lamp posts that hold amber glass.

Gray mountains rim the opposite shore. Varied, sheer cliffs, jagged of grey limestone, like the calanques of Cassis, deteriorated fallen rock covered with a variety of trees. Lakeside, the Park de l'Europe has been well cared for with trees hundreds of years old. Magnificent in girth and height. Marked with tiny tags as to genus and species. A friendly park, with a lovers’ bridge, benches and grassy lawns for locals to sit have a leisurely lunch.

The older, now tourist, section of town area has well-lived buildings from the medieval era. A castle fortress on a hilltop. All the canals are lined with beautiful flower plantings. Crimson geraniums, violet pansies, white accents with bright green leaves. Each tiny window is a photo-worthy image. The cobblestone streets are original stone and very clean. Restaurants abound and unique stores for clothes, crafts and, surprisingly, very few tourist trinkets.

An artist's treasure trove of images.

Walking the alleyway Rousseau, where the music conservatory pours piano concertos out the windows, I decide upon a small restaurant, a street away from the popular ones along the canal. Quiche Lorraine and a green salad. Simple and good with a light flaky crust and plenty of ham. Two pieces, not one. My table with the backdrop of stone buildings make a quaint photo.

A final walk through the tiny picturesque streets, a stop for the most amazing gelato de Maître (cassis and crème brûlée in a house-made waffle cone), and then to the lake for some final shots with different lighting for my photos. School children were out with their instructors in some sort of large canoe-boats practicing team paddling. Locals on lunch breaks are still eating and socializing in the park. Tourists peppered in. An absolutely perfect afternoon in Annecy.

I concur. Annecy is a “must see”.