Camping Europa, Lac Annecy

The drive out of Chamonix to Annecy was incredibly picturesque, with stunning views of the mountains. We had so much fun on the lake last year that we wanted to return for a longer visit this summer. Unfortunately, camping pitches tend to book up quite fast, and we couldn’t find anywhere available for four consecutive nights. Instead, we decided to split our time between Camping Europa and Camping de L’Aloua, the latter being where we stayed last year and loved!

We chose Camping Europa because it is located close by the lake and is a 40-minute cycle ride into the town of Annecy. Additionally, the campsite features a water park area that is perfect for the kids, complete with a lagoon pool, racing waterslides and waterfalls. This main area is separated from an adult-only ‘zen pool,’ which looked very peaceful…

It is worth noting that regular swim shorts are not allowed, and just after arriving, Steve quickly cycled to a nearby supermarket to purchase himself some swimming boxers. Meanwhile, Sam had to make do with his less-than-ideal trunks. He was not happy about this situation at all, so we took a bit of a risk and let him wear his regular shorts on top of his trunks!

The facilities are quite large and modern. There are plenty of temperature-controlled single showers, along with several showers that are equipped with sinks. Additionally, a baby room is conveniently located just off the entry to the women's shower block. During check-in, we were all provided with a key card, which is necessary to activate the water flow in the showers. It can be scanned again if more time is needed!

The next morning, we cycled to Annecy, which, according to Google Maps, takes approximately 40 minutes if you follow the bike track that is accessed by a gate located at the back of the campsite. However, with Sam cycling at his usual pace, it took us just over an hour. The track took us through beautiful scenery and was mostly by the side of the lake. Sam did well but we were worried about the ride back!

We arrived in Annecy with plenty of good time to explore the market before enjoying lunch. The market, which takes place on the rue Sainte-Claire and throughout the streets of the old town, is not to be missed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 7am to 1pm. We walked through the stalls filled with clothes, crafts, and gifts, and made our way to the food and fresh produce section. Sam sampled plenty of delicious macaroons before finally deciding which flavours to buy!

Sam has asked a few times for moules frites, so we decided to embark on a little mission to find them on a menu. We sat down just in time for the beginning of lunch service at Bistrot Le 7 Perriēre. Steve ordered a traditional Salade Niçoise, while Esme and I opted for a Carbonara. The food came out quickly, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed every bite, finishing their plates completely!

After exploring the old town, we made a promise to Sam that we would treat him to a big ice cream today as a reward for his effort in cycling all the way into town. We found Glacier Perriere, which has the largest choice of ice cream ever! He excitedly chose two scoops, pineapple and apricot. To our surprise, Esme decided to be adventurous and ordered a scoop of parma violet ice cream! She said this was only because it was purple. Afterward, she happily ate a generous helping of mine as it was lavender, and also purple..

With our ice creams in hand, we made our way over to Les Jardins de l'Europe, where we enjoyed a walk in the shade of the trees. Time had run away from us and the temperature hit 34 degrees. We ventured to the public toilets (Esme was fascinated by the standing toilets) and set off on our bikes.

We had been riding for ten minutes, and Sam was shattered from the heat, which made him increasingly irritable. We decided to stop for a drink, realising that it would be unwise for him to continue riding back. Furthermore, it would take us hours since he was barely managing to cycle. Steve cleverly attached Sam’s bike to his handlebars, and Sam sat on the back of my bike. We stopped halfway through our journey and let the kids jump into the lake clothed to cool off. This heightened their spirits, and we made it back to the campsite! Steve and I were shattered!