Lyon to Annecy

Did you do both Mappy searches? http://www.mappy.fr

One states 1 hr 32 min and uses toll roads. The nontoll version of the search came up with 2 hrs 46 min but no toll roads. We find the nontoll roads, i.e. D and N routes, are much more scenic. You are also more apt to get lost but that can be fun. You will be driving through pretty mountainous country but I assume you know that. Since it is in the mountains and it is still early in the year, you might want to check the weather before you leave. If the weather is bad, the toll roads will be fine . . . barring a major spring blizzard. They keep them clear. Some of the smaller roads could be a problem. If you ask locally, I’m sure they can help.

Whichever route you choose, it is a beautiful drive. Have fun.

SalB: As usual, thank you so much for the input. Yes, I have the Mappy print outs. I do hope there are no Spring blizzards as I have convinced my nervous wife that it never snows after St. Patrick’s Day. I am hoping that the Hertz Neverlost system has made it to France this year. It wasn’t available last year. Thanks again. Donerail

Donerail, Do you have the Michelin "France Tourist and Motoring Atlas" for your trip? If you are driving in the hinterlands, it is invaluable. It’s a spiral bound yellow atlas and has every little byway in France on it. If you get lost, it will get you found. I wouldn’t go without it.

You can get a map of France from AAA that will give you a general idea and is good for knowing where to look in the Michelin atlas. I really recommend the atlas though.

. . . and how could you tell your wife such a tale . . . St. Patrick’s Day, indeed. For your sake, I truly hope it doesn’t snow!! >

SalB: Thanks, I have the Atlas and the four detailed Michelin maps of the area. And much literature from the tourism folks at Dept. Rhone Alpes and Burgundy/Cote d’Or. Plus I will down load and print the Mappy instructions. I hope LaVieilleBranch comes thru with some of those restaurants and stores – and the place that doesn’t tack on a fee to exchange dollars. Now if I only had more dollars to exchange. Regards, Donerail

We’ve gotten the lowest exchange rate by using our debit cards. At least our own banks don’t charge a fee. You do have to pay the exchange rate the day the bank receives the debit. No way around that. Call your bank and see what their policy is.

Speaking of restaurants . . . in Lac Annecy right on the canal try Restaurant Beau Soleil. We treat ourselves to fondue there every time we are in town. If you get the waiter we’ve had several times, he speaks about 7 languages quite well. We’ve teased him about it. He’s great. We’ve never had anything except the fondue so don’t know what the other food is like. Fondue is great.

In la Clusaz (north of Lac Annecy on the D909) try Le Savoie Hotel and Restaurant right in town. It’s decorated in Provencal prints that seem odd in the Alps, but it’s a warm, friendly place with excellent food. If they have it while you are there, try the Marquis au chocolat for dessert. No matter what you get here, it will be excellent.

In Thône (on the way up to la Clusaz) there is a cute little Savoy Regional Museum. It is small and only takes about a half hour but is very interesting. You also pass a very castle-looking castle on the way up the mountain. It’s a great drive!

BTW, both restaurants are quite reasonable in price.

Thanks, SalB. Thanks again. We are off to LaFrance again! You and LaVieilleBranche have been so helpful. Take care, and you might want to avoid the threads where frankessary is making posts. I know you won’t like the series of interchanges and maybe I fell for the bait – but people like that cannot go unchallenged. Donerail