Timeless Charm with cobblestone adventures in the French Alps
As the Uber driver pulled away with a cheery “Good Luck!” I stood in the foyer like a seasoned explorer about to embark on the next adventure in Annecy. I was surrounded by my suitcase and a collection of oddly shaped bags, enough dog kibble for a shelter and two tail wagging dogs formed my loyal crew. Adventure? Check,. Excitement? Check. A little anxiety? Check.
First things first, let’s take a tour of the house.
The house felt like stepping straight into an historical time. The living room was a masterpiece of nostalgia! High ceilings with crown molding that had been privy to many gatherings. There is an entire wall dedicated to a mural of Venice. Picture gondolas gliding through waterways, with the captain standing proudly paddling through the waterway, with the backdrop of the ornate buildings. The mural was not just a decoration, it infused the room with an air of elegance and a sense of a long forgotten era.
The Next Adventure in Annecy – The House
The furniture was equally historic; dark, intricately carved wood, massive velvet curtains in red and yellow stripes, and a tufted couch that could tell stories. Its fabric although faded hinted of grandeur, the armrests were worn down to threads spoke of years of companionship. I already could see that this would be the perfect place to enjoy a nightly cup of tea after a busy day of exploring the city. This apartment was certainly quite the contrast from the modern beachy Airbnb I just left. But that’s the beauty of this kind of travel: it offers the opportunity to experience variety. The remainder of the house reflected the same style and charm of the living room.
Now that the tour was complete both dogs were giving me that unmistakable look, walk time? They have been amazing travelers and have transitioned so well to the changes. It has all been a big adventure for them. They love the new walks, the new scents and France is so very dog friendly. There are always an abundance of dogs we meet along the way on our walks. Unpacking could wait. As we stepped out, I noticed a couple snapping pictures of the house. Turns out this house is one of the most historic homes in Annecy. What a treat!
A Tour of the City
We strolled through the cobblestone streets of the Old City – “Vielle Ville” as the locals refer to it. There were a variety of shops built into the stone walls which lined the streets. Each shop having their own unique style, oozing charm and history. Doorways and storefronts seemed frozen in time, like a fairytale village brought to life. Little arched passageways connected the streets, which were blissfully car-free, except for the occasional police car or delivery truck.
As dusk settled in, a melody floated through the air, pulling me toward its source like a moth to a flame. We turned the corner and found a courtyard, where a magical music and light show was being projected onto a building. People gathered transfixed as a festive performance unfolded. For 15 minutes, the crowd, young and old, watched with peaceful admiration. At the end, applause rippled through the courtyard, a shared moment of joy. What a beautiful and simple way to spread joy. This performance would go on every half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information about Annecy, check out their tourism website:
So, with night fully upon us, it was time to head back to our home for the next month. Unpacking and dinner awaited but so did the promise of making new discoveries tomorrow. After all transitions aren’t just about change, they are about finding the beauty in every step whether on cobblestones or velvet armrests.
Filled With Gratitude
With every step of this journey, my heart overflows with so much gratitude for the opportunity to explore such breathtaking places and create memories that will stay with me forever. Moments like these remind me of the true blessings of retirement, and I cherish them deeply. I am so grateful for this next adventure in Annecy.
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya
Interested in reading about my journey to Annecy? The Adventure of Moving Day: From Southern Comfort to Alpine Bliss