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Post by mich64 on Oct 15, 2010 16:25:09 GMT
I am beginning my search for our holiday for 2011 and we have tentatively chosen the Rhone-Alps region and I would appreciate if the members could suggest their favorite locations they have visited. I did a search on our board and did find some information. I learned that the 2018 Winter Games will be in Annecy. I did not know that. I have so far looked at Anncey, Chamonix, Grenoble. We do prefer smaller cities/towns for accommodations. We love lakes and mountains, culture, history and walking. To give you an idea of a few of where we have been I listed the following: Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Toon, Lugano, Basel, Switzerland. Hallstatt, Imst, Austria. Munich, Frankfurt, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany. Metz, Rouen, Merlebach, Paris, France. Bergen-op-Zoom, The Netherlands. Brugge, Belguim. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
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Post by bjd on Oct 15, 2010 16:36:29 GMT
We spent a couple of days in Annecy 3 years ago. It's a pretty town with a nice big lake. The whole area is nice if you like mountains. Grenoble is bigger, so has more going on, but it's either cold in summer or hot in winter, since it lies between valleys. A couple of photos of Annecy:
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2010 17:07:34 GMT
Annecy is a really beautiful medium-sized city. The 2018 host city has not been selected yet -- that will happen in Durban in July 2011. However, there are only 3 candidates this time. The world has fallen on hard times. I love Chamonix as well, but you know what? Those touristy Alpine cities, no matter what the country, are almost too cute. There's something about all of them that does not seem authentic -- and that is because of all of the Big Money that floods in every winter. I hope you will have a car, because the little villages with sheep manure trailing through the main street are much more authentic (not to mention aromatic). I stayed for two nights in a magnificent hotel above Gex -- La Mainaz, on the road going up to the Col de la Faucille. At dawn and evening, there was a view of sparkling Geneva and the Mont Blanc that was beyond breathtaking. (During the day it could get a bit hazy.) The restaurant also looked amazing, but since I was taking my mother around, we did not go -- she was in her agitated phase and could not have appreciated it, while ruining the dinner of anybody around us. However, we did have a nice dinner in a huge Thai restaurant down in Gex (can't miss it if you go there because it stands alone in a field). La Mainaz
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Post by mich64 on Oct 15, 2010 17:58:33 GMT
Thank you bjd and Kerouac. Yes bjd we love the mountains. In fact my husband asked "please select somewhere with mountains" was his only request. I enjoyed the photos, beautiful captures of daily life. I cannot wait to be sitting outside the restaurants reading and sipping something. Kerouac, your description of a vacation is what we desire. Little villages and sheep manure, I understand the enjoyment in this. We will have a car, we have always rented a car except for the three trips to Paris so my husband is very used to driving in Europe and I am a good navigator. This way we can stay at accommodations like the link you posted and visit towns/cities like bjd showed. This is the direction I am looking for. To provide more information, we plan on 2 weeks in September. Thank you
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Post by bjd on Oct 15, 2010 18:49:23 GMT
I think anywhere in that area is okay. I always feel the advantage of cities is that there is stuff to do if you don't feel like driving. But from any of those towns, it's pretty easy to get out into the countryside. The other option is to stay in a Gite de France (use the term to Google, but it's a bit early for September 2011) -- those are always in small places or in the countryside. Of course, that puts paid to sitting and sipping in a café.
I think anywhere with a mixture of water and mountains is pretty good. There is also Aix-les-Bains. Annecy is pretty full of tourists, at least a lot of French ones, but we were there in August. By September things have calmed down.
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Post by mich64 on Oct 15, 2010 22:26:38 GMT
Thank you bjd, I know I start early, but it serves me well and I have my route and selections ready for reservation time. I will certainly look at the Gite de France and Aix-les-Bains. I like all the help I can receive to have more to pick from.
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Post by lagatta on Oct 15, 2010 23:44:12 GMT
I've been through Annecy and Aix-les-Bains very quickly (with a driver). Also Chambéry. They are very beautiful, but I wasn't there long enough to really get a feel for them. I know people from that region - the real "Alpes" part of Rhône-Alpes. I've spent much more time in Lyon and Grenoble, especially Lyon, where I have close friends. But Lyon is very urban, and the real mountains are in the distance - it is hilly thereabouts, between les monts du Lyonnais and the foothills of the Alps - remember the train leaving the station there and climbing, climbing, to the Italian border and then down to Turin.
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Post by mich64 on Oct 15, 2010 23:56:32 GMT
Thank you Lagatta. I thought Lyon looked lovely but correct to urban for us. I am learning a lot about the region and it seems with 2 weeks we will be able to see quite a bit of the area.
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Post by hwinpp on Oct 16, 2010 1:57:24 GMT
Those pics are nice, bjd.
Somehow I've never spent time in the Alps, I've passed through a couple of times, that's all.
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Post by mich64 on Oct 21, 2010 15:31:58 GMT
Still researching....
My husband bought me a journal to keep together all my little notes, quotes and deals together. He has been finding little pieces of paper all over the house. I follow the sun in the house with my laptop so it has become somewhat confusing for him as to how I keep myself organized with planning.
The only think that is definite so far is the region. Having some difficulties with flights and accomodations as I am too early for September 2011 so I have decided to concentrate on "Things To Do" in the region. So any ideas or experiences you have in the Rhone Alps, Annecy, Grenoble, Geneva, Turin, Chamonix areas would be appreciated.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2010 16:42:10 GMT
Accommodations are not a problem at all in September, because the summer season is ending and it is far too early for the winter season. It is one of the best months for winging it from place to place without reservations and just going where your inspiration takes you -- staying a day extra in a perfect place, or leaving a day early if you are disappointed. During high season, you do not have this luxury.
If you'll have a car and want a cheap well-placed hotel, I really liked the Ibis in Sallanches just a few kilometers from Chamonix. (Ibis often has excellent internet discounts.) Since Sallanches itself is of debatable interest, it is a good place for just an overnight before engaging in a full day in Chamonix, or recovering from one.
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Post by mich64 on Oct 21, 2010 17:02:03 GMT
Thank you Kerouac, yes September does allow to be more flexible. All your suggestions are noted in the journal for a good reminder to try to be open to perhaps not reserving but keeping a list of options in many towns. A mix of some reservation and some exploration....
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Post by mich64 on Nov 8, 2010 19:07:43 GMT
Well, it looks like our flight will be into Paris. I am now planning 3 days in Paris as well and am so excited about it. I know we have been a few times already, but I am so happy to be able to go again. And now from reading this board I have some new things for us to do. ;D We plan to take the train to Annecy and have a reserved rental there. A few days in Annecy and the planning is still on going from that point.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2010 19:36:56 GMT
I'm glad that your plans are coming together. Annecy is a really great town. I hope you will be close to the lake, which is sensational.
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Post by mich64 on Nov 8, 2010 20:02:21 GMT
Oh my goodness! That picture is fantastic. I cannot wait for my husband to come home to show it to him. Thanks Kerouac! Would you know if we will be able to swim in the lake? I imagine it is fed by glaciers? but the shore seems shallow and hopefully it becomes warm enough for a swim?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2010 20:19:53 GMT
The water is always cold except in the shallowest zones, but people do swim in it. I have read that the biggest problem in the lake (but perhaps only at certain times of the year?) is duck lice (?) which love humans just as well as they love ducks. Apparently they are just as much fun as bedbugs. But I would assume that if you see the locals in the water, it means that it is a safe place.
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Post by mich64 on Nov 8, 2010 21:11:19 GMT
I have never heard of "duck lice" but I certainly understand what it could be. Here, we call it plainly, "the itch". We had ducks at our shore when we moved here and we never fed them so they would move on. "The itch" comes from duck feces that get stirred up after a rain. If you swim within 24 hours after a rain you have the risk of parasites from the duck feces penetrating into your pores and once you skin dries you develop very itchy red raised bumps that can appear anywhere on your skin. When we were kids our parents just ensured we were covered in sun tan lotion (for the sun and to help clog the pores) and made us scrub our skin dry and remove our wet suits as soon as possible. I still follow these instructions and have not had a case of the itch since I was a child. I think though, in case it is not the same thing, I will perhaps sit by the lake instead.
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Post by bjd on Nov 9, 2010 8:55:27 GMT
I don't remember seeing people swim in the water, but maybe because that was right in the city. But what did strike me was how clear the water was. I think it's the part that looks green on the picture above.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2010 12:44:34 GMT
Yes, the water is totally transparent in the lake. When you see fish, it looks like they are floating in nothing.
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Post by mich64 on Nov 9, 2010 15:42:57 GMT
Well, I cannot wait to see the lake in person. When we were in Switzerland we saw alot of glacier fed lakes and they were beautiful. I am anxious to sit and watch the fish.
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Post by imec on Nov 9, 2010 20:42:53 GMT
Mich, you mentioned Lauterbrunnen in your OP. I spent a lovely week in this hotel which is literally perched on a cliff in the village of Murren overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley and with stunning views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Munsch.
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Post by mich64 on Nov 9, 2010 21:10:16 GMT
What a great picture Imec! Yes, we walked by your hotel a few times when we were up in Murren. We also took the cable car up to the Schilthorn. Murren is a beautiful town. Thanks for the beautiful reminder of our time there.
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Post by mich64 on Mar 9, 2011 20:30:53 GMT
Well, the Airline Tickets are purchased! ;D
We are so excited ;D
We did have to spend a little more than expected, but we thought it prudent to purchase now before fuel surcharges are added. We even were able to complete our seat selection.
We had to add an additional day to our trip for this flight. We are happy about that as well. So, we will have 12 days in France and 2 flight days and a day visit with 2 or my sisters on our return. Yeah!!
I have booked hotels in Paris and Annecy. Soon I will be able to purchase our TGV tickets and rent our car. Arrangements are just about complete.
We cannot wait for Paris and the Rhone Alps!! Cheers, Mich
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2011 20:53:35 GMT
You are absolutely right to have locked in fares before the fuel surcharges skyrocket even more.
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Post by fumobici on Mar 9, 2011 22:44:04 GMT
You are absolutely right to have locked in fares before the fuel surcharges skyrocket even more. Oddly I think given fuel costs, I was able to buy tickets on KLM for SEA to FCO (Rome) this year for less than I have paid in almost 10 years. Mind you I'm not complaining.
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Post by mich64 on Mar 9, 2011 22:54:20 GMT
Good for you Fumobici Yesterday Air Canada attached a $10.00 surcharge to US destinations, so I thought it might only get worse with European flights. Cheers, Mich
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Post by auntieannie on Mar 10, 2011 17:23:44 GMT
will you be going to Geneva at all? let me know if you want information. If you have a spare day, you might find it interesting, but it is very towney...Although you could remain on the french side of lake Leman and visit the villages en route to Thonon? There is a hamlet en route where they have this little garden thing to attract tourists. As long as you are not driving there during a bank holiday or at weekends, you should be able to enjoy a nice ride!
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Post by mich64 on Mar 10, 2011 18:15:21 GMT
Hi auntieannie! The 5 days in the area are still undecided. We have never been to Geneva, so yes, any information you have, I would appreciate it. The only plan I have is to visit Chamonix to take the cable car excursion, Aiguille du Midi, to visit the glacier and hopefully have a good day of weather to get up over the top and down to Italy.
I would really like to see what information you have on Geneva, it would make a wonderful day.
Thank you! Cheers Mich
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Post by auntieannie on Mar 11, 2011 11:30:13 GMT
I used to work in Geneva (10 years) If you do visit, I would recommend you park in Ferney Voltaire (France) and take one of the buses into Geneva. www.tpg.ch/fr/index.phpWeather permitting, a wander around the old town is a must. If you are so enclined, you can board one of the ships criss-crossing the lake, there is one that does the "tour du petit lac" just around Geneva, pointing out architectural/cultural landmarks along the way. www.cgn.ch/eng/croisieres_touristiques/vos_plus_belles_croisieres/belles_rives_genevoisesThere are a few wonderful museums and galleries. I would recommend the Red Cross Museum and oh... names escape me... I'll find some info for you. www.geneva.info/museums/Interesting how they put the botanical gardens in that section. But it makes for a nice stroll if you are already missing the greenery of the countryside. Talking about which, there are vineyards around Geneva and September is just before the harvest. It should make for a nice walk/drive.. .although maybe not if you are only planning a day in the area. Most people speak english in Geneva and many places accept euros.
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Post by mich64 on Mar 11, 2011 15:14:24 GMT
Thank you very much Auntieannie, I will have fun going through these links. I appreciate it! Cheers, Mich
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