Did you know
The massive annual Fete du Lac celebrations started in 1860 when the town threw a big party for Emperor Napoleon the Third and his wife Eugenie to mark the independent
Savoie region rejoining France.
Visas
You do not need a visa to go to France, but take your passport.
Getting there
bmibaby flies to Geneva from
Birmingham; British Airways flies to Lyon and Grenoble, and easyJet flies to Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble . TGVs go to Annecy from
Paris and driving from Calais takes around nine hours.
To Geneva, Lyon and Chambery, it takes around 75 minutes.
Getting around
There are regular buses running between Annecy other lakeside communities and mountain resorts, although hiring a car would be an advantage.
Costs
A beer (pression) costs around £1.50 and set menu from £7. A roll of film (24) £2.50; litre of petrol 70p; four-mile taxi ride £4. Costs can vary.
Weather
Annecy's climate is temperate but dictated by the nearby mountains so it can be unpredictable. Winters are generally cold with snow, summers can be warm with temperatures up to the mid-80Fs.
International dialling code from
UK 00 33 4 (0)
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are two pin, so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on either Monday or Tuesday. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm. Few shops open on Sunday.
Health – before you go
No jabs needed. We have reciprocal medical care agreements with France. Take an EHIC form with you (available from your post office).
Health – when you are there
No major health problems in France. French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross and can be very helpful.
Warnings
Make sure young children don't get out of their depth while swimming, and keep a safe distance from the lake's swans, they can bite if they feel threatened.
Emergency
Police, Tel 17; Ambulance, Tel 15; Fire, Tel 19; British Embassy: 16, Rue d'Anjou,
Paris. Customs
French shops invariably close for a good couple of hours at lunchtime. Do as the locals do and enjoy a lengthy lunch to pass the time.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up — check with your vet for details.
Tipping
By law, cafe, restaurant and hotel bills include service. Most people leave loose change in a restaurant. In taxis a tip would range from 30-70 cents, but you could go mad and leave one euro (about 68p).
Tourist office
1, rue Jean Jaurès, 74000 Annecy Tel: 00 33 4 50 45 00 33; Fax: 00 33 4 50 51 87 20; E-Mail: info@annecytourisme.com