Annecy, a weekend getaway from Milan

Just 3 hours of driving time from Milan, crossing Mont Blanc Tunnel, I easily reached Annecy, nicknamed “Pearl of French Alps”, because of its location between lake and mountains. It is also called “Venice of the Alps”, because of its blue water channels plenty of geese and ducks.

Annecy is a charming small town that gives the impression of being in a medieval village you can wander freely; it is like taking a walk back to the medieval period with all its fine churches, medieval buildings, monasteries, and last but not least, the famous castle of the counts of Geneva which overlooks the town.

One of the greatest things is when you are finished exploring the sights, you can enjoy the fine restaurants and the cheerful locals of Annecy!

I made a reservation at the famous “L’Etage” (letageannecy.com) which serves traditional French cuisine as well as specialty cuisine from Savoie!

I couldn’t wait to taste the “tartiflette”, a modern recipe inspired by a truly traditional dish called “péla”: a gratin of potatoes and onions – without cheese – in a long handled pan. The modern recipe has been invented and launched only in the 1980s by the Reblochon trade union in an attempt to increase the sales of this cheese.

Annecy tartiflette

Let’s try to cook together the savoyard tartiflette! Click here for the original recipe!

Annecy also offers a number of markets where you can eat fresh food and shop for clothes, accessories and many other items within the market.

I did some wandering on the old town Sunday Market, and in the opinion of some people it is the best French market!

The stalls were packed tight through the narrow streets of the old town, pleasing to the eye and a temptation for palates: tons of French cheese (le Reblochon!), charcuterie, traditional desserts, fresh fruits and veg… the earthly paradise!