2023 has been a good travel year so far: Sedona in February, French Polynesia in April, Maine in June, throw in a work trip for Scott in San Francisco, and now we are off to Europe!
Over the past few years, we have been part of a home swap site called Home Exchange. We have used our Airbnb to gain some valuable Home Exhange points to make traveling more affordable. Originally we used these points in Banff, Canada in 2019, and more recently, just a few weeks ago we stayed in a barn in Maine.
Now, we scored a free place to stay in the South of France! Our journey begins with three flights to get us to Geneva. Yup, 3! Orlando to Miami, Miami to London, & London to Geneva. Saving money on flights adds some inconvenience to traveling, but if it keeps us on the go, then inconvenience it is (and a little stress rushing to make connections).
Side note, we were supposed to have new bags for this trip, but ordering from Australia makes it a little more complicated. And guess when they arrived, the day we left, after we left for the airport, literally at 5 pm. Back to old faithful backpacks…
Day Two – Annecy!
Finally, we made it! Landing in Geneva was a little tricky. You can actually exit into Switzerland or into France depending on which exit you choose. Random, but pretty cool. Our rental car was in France, so we headed up, out, and back down and we have a short 40 minute drive to Annecy!
Whoa! Annecy may be too good of a starting point for this European adventure. The ‘Pearl of the French Alps’ is living up to its name. Dating back to the 1st century AD (wow!), this historic city is lined with cobblestone streets, winding canals, and mountain views for days as it sits up against one of the most inviting lakes we’ve ever seen, the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy!
The canals of Annecy have also been coined the ‘Venice of the Alps’.
The Palais de I’lle, or Island Palace, was once the residence of the lord of Annecy in the 12th century. Later it was also a mint, court, and a prison to name a few.
Jet lagged and wobbly, we got two days to make the most of this incredible first stop. Feeling woozy, we still wander and explore while we wait for our room to be ready. Then, a short nap to help adjust to the 6 hour time change, followed by a nice dinner on the canal,
and a stroll around Lake Annecy. Great start to Europe ’23!
Day Three – Annecy’s Magic Continues
Holy whacky hours… wide awake at 4 am! By 6 am, we are already out for a beautiful, cool morning stroll around the lake. Coming from a Florida summer, we have to add in how glorious these cool mornings are.
As we finish up our morning walk, we wait ambitiously for the city’s farmers market. We were a bit in aw of the selection of fruits & veggies, fresh pastries & bread, jams, and endless cheese options just to name a few.
Mix in a drone session overlooking Lake Annecy and the historic city,
and we were sadly ready to begin our 4 hour drive to the lavendar fields of Valensole, Provence.
Annecy, we will be back! Too short of a time to enjoy the many outdoor activities on the lake and in the nearby mountains.
As we wrap up this post, we don’t want to miss the chance to highlight the scenic drive from Annecy to Valensole. This 4 hour drive turned into about 6, which included a nap, tunnels, and endless scenic mountain views winding through the French Alps!
Two Wayfaring Wanderers 