Fete du Lac, Annecy, France
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 20th July 2007 at 03:15 AM, Filed in Europe, August
I never need an excuse to visit the beautiful town / lake of Annecy at the foothills of the Alps. However, on the first Saturday in August (since 1860) the town has celebrated the incorporation of Savoy within France, and since 1950 this celebration has included a wonderful firework display which reflects in the scenic lake waters. It claims to be one of the largest annual firework displays in Europe.
In 2007 the celebration will be held on the 4th August, and the festivities will start with a series of bands playing from 3.00pm. The fireworks start at 21.45pm. The theme for 2007 will be the number 7, which is seen to represent the 7 wonders of the world.
At an altitude of 446 meters the town itself is situated at the north western corner of the lake and there are a number of other, smaller villages situated along the 38 kilometre perimeter. In summer the old town is beautiful. Numerous restaurants with outside seating and masses of flower baskets line the canals and reflect in the water with the snow topped mountains. The ‘Palais de l’Isle’ (originally a palace and then a prison) built in the 12th century is situated in the middle of one of the canals and reckoned to be one of the most photographed monuments in the whole of France. The town isn’t known as the ‘Venice of Savoie’ for nothing! Wonderful food can be found from alpine cuisine of raclette and fondues, the local speciality of tartiflette (sliced potatoes, cream and bacon topped with reblochon cheese) to ‘fruit de mer’.
The lake itself is known as Europe’s cleanest lake due to the strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960’s. This obviously makes it popular for sports and recreation. There are 3 free supervised beaches and a further 7 (fee-paying) beaches around the lake. All manner of water sports are available, such as canoeing, sailing and water-skiing. Many people roller-blade or cycle (I have done it myself) around the perimeter to take in the views and clean air. At the southerns end of the lake para-gliders can frequently be seen winging their way down to the shores of the lake.
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