#14: Paris and Annecy

Along the Seine River, ParisParis

I decided to go to a Patricia Kaas concert during March break. This meant I would fly to Amsterdam, take a train to Paris, a train to Annecy and a cab to Geneva. What I will do to see a concert!

It was COLD in Amsterdam, particularly riding a bike through the countryside. However, once I got to Paris I warmed up to the food and the sights! I took the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris and got there in about 3.5 hours.

I stayed at Hotel Diana (73 Rue Saint-Jacques 5arr) as it is in a great location and is reasonably priced.  Even though it was mid-March, the weather was sunny and warm (16 degrees C) and perfect for spending time at Champ de Mars by the Eiffel Tower.

Brasserie Bofinger Restaurant Paris France
Brasserie Bofinger, Paris France

While I always enjoy sandwiches from Kayser, one memorable meal took place at Brasserie Bofinger  (7 Rue de la Bastille, 4arr), a famous bistro in Paris, known not only for its food but also for its authentic ambience.

As usual, I wrote in my journal during dinner and spoke at length to the waiter. At the end of my delicious dinner ( oysters, lamb with olives, 1/2 bottle of Cotes du Rhone, and an apple crumble dessert), the 2 American ladies sitting next to me asked if I was a restaurant critic. They assumed this because of my note-taking and speaking french to the waiter. Hmmm….my next career?

In addition to shopping and walking around the city I visited Maison de Photgraphie (free after 5 pm): interesting exhibit of black and white photos.

Annecy

Annecy, France
Annecy, France+

The train from Paris to Annecy in the French Alps only took 4:40 hours. I had only been to Annecy in the summer and I was pleasantly surprised that it was so nice in March.The hotel I stayed at (Best Western) was only 5-10 minutes from the old town.

Dinner: Le Pichet (13 Rue Perrière) is still around and I had a lovely dinner there (salad, trout, rice, chocolate mousse) with a 25cl pichet (of course) of wine for 18 Euros.

My final night in Annecy was spent attending a Patricia Kaas concert. I took the bus there but was unable to find a cab or bus to get back to my hotels I had to walk back. Thank goodness the weather was very mild that night. It took me 45 minutes and I did not have a map or GPS. Amazing I did not get lost!

I slept for about 4 hours and then took a (very expensive—115 Euros0) cab ride to Geneva. There was no other way to get home in time. The flight went to Paris and then Toronto. But it was worth it.

 

Trip #14 To France_ Annecy and Paris