This house was ideally equipped and located for a European holiday in the Christmas season for our family of eight. It was a comfortable regional base that allowed us to experience a village, the cities of Annecy and Geneva, France and Switzerland, wonderful scenery—Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains--and historic sites from medieval to the present.
The sleeping arrangements allowed four adult couples to each have their own bedroom and access to their own bathroom with toilet and shower. The main floor’s dining and sitting areas held all eight of us. Areas for games, puzzles, and television gave us flexibility for smaller group activities. The kitchen met our cooking needs and served as a morning gathering place. There was ample parking for our vehicles. Those of us who traveled on to other places after our week in the house appreciated the clothes washer and dryer.
One of the best features of the home is the view of lake, mountains, and the lights of Annecy. We enjoyed spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Although the December weather did not encourage use of the house’s outdoor amenities or the local hiking, this house would be a pleasant place for a summer holiday.
The location is ideal. It is a few minutes’ walk to the village of Veyrier-du-lac. We enjoyed its two bakeries every day. The small grocery market is well provisioned. The pharmacy was helpful when we needed first aid. We found good pizza and lasagna at one of the restaurants. Other restaurants were closed or on restricted hours in December. The tourist office provided us with guidance and maps for the village, Annecy, the lake area, the Haute Savoie region, and Geneva.
Annecy is a short drive. We enjoyed its port, downtown shopping area, canals, and two Christmas markets. It is possible to walk from the house to Annecy in one hour along a lakeside path.
Beyond Annecy we found easy access by car to skiing in Chamonix, the Olympic city of Albertville and its medieval town of Conflans, the scenic Grande Route des Alpes, and other cities in the region. Geneva is a forty-five-minute drive, and we went there for a Christmas market, a concert, walking in old town, the Museum of the Reformation, and the waterfront areas.
We experienced two maintenance issues which affected the otherwise easy check-in and revealed a confusing part of the house information. These were addressed promptly. Prior to our visit, owner Lara was very responsive to our email questions.