I am considering booking at the Hotel du Chateau but wonder if the walk back from the hotel to the canal/restaurant part of town will be very steep and tiring. Anyone been there?

I'm considering it also Anyone. . . .please? CJ

I don't know where the hotel is, but if it is near the actual chateau, the walk down is easy. The walk back up, however, is steep. Depends on what kind of shape you are in and how much you walk.

We're in our 60s, walk a lot and had no trouble, but if you're not used to hills, it could be a problem. if you have a car, you could drive down and park in the public parking by the lake. I'm not fond of driving in Annecy, but there must be a back way up to the hotel that the staff could tell you.

The only positive thing I can add is that it is not a long walk and you certainly could rest along the way. Have you considered staying in the lower part of town?

Obviously I don't know how old you are or what your physical shape. That would make a difference. We live in very hilly country and hills don't bother us. It's probably a little over half a mile and about a 6 to 8% grade if that's any help.

Thank you, Sal. That is very helpful info. Do you have a reccommendation in "the lower part of town?" CJ

CarolJean, We stay at Les Terraces, 15 rue Louis Chaumontel just two blocks off the old town area. It is a Logis de France. It is clean and comfortable, but definitely low budget. You won't find any other Americans there and staff won't necessarily speak English.

We like the location and there is parking and a little garden out back. They also have a nice little restaurant but we always go to Beau Soleil for fondue when we're in town. We've also bought sandwiches and picnicked in the park by the lake. If you were planning to stay in a chateau, you would not be happy here.

Check the Best Western in Annecy. It's not like the chain in the US. Each is family owned and operated and they are usually very nice. Here's a web site for it. http://www.france.com/hotels/hotel.cfm?hotel_id=4024

Good luck.

Thanks for responses. I'm having such trouble finding any vacancy the week of June 8 as there is a conference of some sort happening. I keep trying to book, but either everyone is filled or there has been no response. I'm thinking next of a Logis de France (3 chimneys as is Faisan Dore) called La Refuge. Anyone been there?

Sorry you're having so much trouble. It's a favorite European vacation spot too. That doesn't help. Try the following web site.
http://www.france.com/search/results...eywords=Annecy

This is France.com and you can search for hotels all over France.

At this point you may want to telephone to see what is available. I've been told that if you dial 10-10-987 before the number, that it is a 39 cent connection fee and only 3 cents a minute thereafter. That's pretty reasonable. I use it in the US but haven't tried it for Europe.

You could also check www.venere.com and see what they have available.

Good luck.

Sal Thank you so much. That sounds like just what we are looking for. My husband speaks french and I understand some. Really appreciate your information. CJ