Interesting Green: Europe Romance at Lake Annecy

The Sundaytimes, Feburary 28, 2010, Special Project Unit, Marketing Division, SPH, Page 5
By Hikorei Hayashi.
This text is typed in by my sister.

PHOTO: http://www.traveleditions.co.uk/images/Tourimages/lake%20annecy_24F4EAD0.jpg

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Huddle on a glacier, enjoy boating across Lake Annecy and wander into Paris' dreamiest places

PARIS, renowned the world over for its iconic Eiffel Toer, is a symbol of romance.

PHOTO: In the morning, relax amidst your new surroundings. With its bridges, canals and medieval atmosphere, Annecy is reminiscent of Venice. Explore the lovely Old Town with its attractive buildings and interesting walkways. In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive alongside Lake Annecy and return through the mountains to the east of the lake.
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Montmartre, the highest hill in Paris at 130m, is a 12th century village that is touted as one of Paris' most romantic places. Montmartre's windmill - the Moulin de La Galette - has inspired famous artists during the late 19th and early 20th century such as Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso.

PHOTO: http://www.france-holidayrentals.co.uk/uploaded_images/annecy-792091.jpg

Walking around in Montmartre, you will discover gardens, a vineyard and steep streets with splendid views. Painters on Place du Tertre continue to make sketches, offering visitors a sweet momento.

PHOTO: A view of a small town on the Lake Annecy, Talloire, as seen from Le Roc de Cher (which is a good place for hiking).
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But Paris is not the only romantic spot in Europe. The university town of Annecy in south-eastern France, also offers a fun yet romantic getaway.

PHOTO: Martin near top of Col de la Forclaz
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Known as the "clearest lake in Europe", Lake Annecy, located at the foot-hills of the Aravis and Bauges alpine mountain ranges has been a magnet for visitors since the 19th century who regard this place as "a passport to vitality, serenity and relaxation".

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Visitors come here to enjoy summer boart trips skimming the water in antiques wooden boats from canal du Vasse near "Pont des Amours". There is also the International Animated Film Festival in June and a Lake Festival in August.

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Located in the Frency-speaking part of Switzerland, Les Diablerets is a mountain in the Swiss Alps best known for its romantic Glacier 3000, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the most beautiful alpine peaks - from the Eiger and the Monch to the Jungfrau and the Matterhorn.

PHOTO: http://www.france-holidayrentals.co.uk/uploaded_images/Bredannaz-790348.jpg

You will also get to board a specially designed vehicle, the Snow Bus, for a ride over the glacier. It is a once-in-a-life-time chance to be carried away on miles of snow that seem to last for eternity.

PHOTO: http://www.morethanaholiday.com/images/annecy_lake2.jpg

Must Explore

The Musee Rodin located in the 18th century Hotel Biron at Boulevard de Invalides is surrounded by a tranquil and romatic three-hectare green with ponds, rose gardens and lawns scattered with sculptors by Augustre Rodin.

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Named after one of the oldest Paisian Churches, Saint Germain des Pres on the left bank of River Seine charms with plazas and cobbled lanes scattered arround 17th century hotels that are filled with art galleries, antique dealers, boolstore and fashion houses. Have fun exploring Cafe de Flore, Deux Magots and the Brasserie Lipp - they are reminiscent of the time when they bustled with famous writers, journalists and artists.

PHOTO: http://www.air-luxury.com/images/produits/lac-annecy.jpg

For a visual feasts of paintings made during the Romantic Period (1822-1831), check out one of the most romantic spots in Paris - the place de Furstenberg. Drop by Musee National Eugene Delacroix, which is converted from the artist's apartment, studio and private garden.

PHOTO: Lakes and mountains treat. Combine the historical interest of charming Lyon with the glorious scenery of Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva and picturesque Chamonix in the shadow of mighty Mont Blanc.
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Must Enjoy

At 3,020m above sea level, the Titlis Glacier Park in Switzerland offers an altitude-defying Alps experience. The air is so clear, it is said that you can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany.

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Enjoy an adrenaline rush riding on snow tubes, snow snakes, snow scooters and snow sledges on the excellent snow runs. Ascent is easy and effortless with the "Magic Carpet" moving walkways.

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For the ultimate nerve-tingling sensation, go deep into the heart of the Titlis Glacier. A 150m long tunnel takes visitors 20m beneath the glacier's surface into the Glacier Grotto - it is a whole new world ringed by glittering ice walls that are bathed in the light from thousands of lamps.

Must Savour

To many Parisians, IIe Saint Louis and IIe de la Cite are two natural islands on the River Seine that can truly be called the most romantic spots in the city. A hidden gem among the narrow streets, charming quaysides and chic boutiques is Berthillon, where lovers can enjoy a lip-licking good ice-cream.

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For an unforgettable candlelight dinner, reserve a seat by moonlight on top of Mount Titlis inside the first revolving cable car in the world. Begin with a cocktail on the terrace, which is ideal for watching the sun set over the Alps, followed by an exquisite Fondue Chinoise (meat fondue) buffet steeped in the extraordinary ambience created by hundreds of candles.

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Must Have

From the pristine French region of Lake Annecy, bring home fresh Reblochon and Tome des Bauges cheeses, bottles of high-quality Apremont and Roussette white wines, or "Roseau" chocolates filled with mountain liqueur.

PHOTO: http://travelsig.co.uk/PBfranceAnnecy.jpg

From: http://verseau.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/spring-break-the-final-chapter/
By a Francophilic, Anglophilic, nostalgic Nintendo-loving New England linguist
(Colourless Green Ideas Sleep Furiously)
Posted by: verseau

PHOTO: http://verseau.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/annecy1.jpg

Annecy was gypsy-free, and a lovely little city. Warm, sunny weather kept up during the voyage through the Alps … it was around 75 degrees just about everywhere (except on the 12,600 ft. summit of L’Aiguille du Midi).

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In Annecy the hotel were real quality and with incredible luxury after all the hostels. The whole town was great…situated on the edge of the beautiful Lake Annecy, reputably the cleanest lake in Europe, with lovely blue-green water.

There were also ice cream places everywhere in Annecy. Difficult not to indulge in once after seeing everyone walking around with ice cream cones, but it was worth it.