Annecy Off The Beaten Path Tips by firechick

Les Grandes Medievales - Andilly

The town of Andilly (which is not too far from Annecy) holds a medieval faire each spring starting the weekend of Pentecost (end of May normally) and also the following weekend.

The area where this fair is held is a beautiful woodland, with little encampments in the clearings and mock villages set up and real people acting out the roles of knights, peasants, artisans etc.. There were for example jousting displays, falconry, jugglers, battle re-enactments etc. all day long starting from 10am. Plenty of things for kids !

To reach Andilly - follow the signs when leaving Annecy to reach Cruseilles via Route Nationale 201, and this will lead you to Andilly which is just a few km past Cruseilles on the same road.

If going from Grenble or Chamonix, take the Cruseilles exit from the A41 motorway to get to RN 201.

2004 prices were 13euros for adults and 7 euros for children. Note that all the signs and presentations are in French so be sure you take a phrase book with you if you don't know the language well.....

Other Contact: info@andillyloisirs.com

Phone: +33 (0)4.50.32.73.64

Les Gorges du Fier

In Lovagny which is only 10km from Annecy you can find this interesting area which the river Fier over the centuries has carved into a slot canyon in the middle of otherwise normal looking farmland. There is a small entry fee for seeing this. The access is very easy (compare this to the section of the Verdon Gorge called the Styx in looks but to see that area you must be prepared to do a decent hike) for elderly since it is all on a raised walkway. No need for hiking boots or fitness. There is also a chateau to visit nearby called the Chateau de Montrottier which is a chateau built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The visits to the chateau are only done with a guide and there is also a fee for this. You can ask for translations of the visit if you do not speak French, which will be handed to you on paper which you can read as you are lead to each room.

Only open Spring - Fall - 15 March - 15 October.

From Annecy take the N508 towards Belllegarde and then turn onto the D14 to reach Lovagny.

Phone: 33 450 46 23 07

Website: http://www.chateaudemontrottier.com