The Haute Savoie

I’m sure they meant ’holly molly’ but French is French and this placard sums up the whole region. The Haute Savoie is in the Alps, not far from Switzerland or Albertville where the winter Olympics were once held. That road leads to Chamonix…But nestled on a beautiful lake is Talloires, Verrier Du-Lac and ANNECY (one of my favorite places). It takes about an hour to drive around the lake, depending on traffic, but the views are wonderful, below the rocky cliffs. On the west side of the lake, we found Sevrier and a hotel perched on a hill with eye opening views. The Inter Hotel Beauregard offered us air conditioned rooms, great dining and a balcony overlooking the water. This painting says it all with design and color.   Reality and art. Hanging above Annecy is a castle that was built in the 13th century by the counts of nearby Geneva. It became a barrack from the end of the 17th century and is now home to the lakes observatory and museum. Keeping with tradition, one enters over a drawbridge and through a portcullis. Take a boat tour or go water skiing. Ride a bicycle or walk along Chemin de la Tour de la Reine then Avenue de la Visitation to see the imposing convent and basilica of the Visitation tower. There are mysterious passageways with houses that show how the town once looked. Canals, swans, crafts, artists, restaurants and the feeling of history abounds in this unique place.