Your accommodation is a 4-star apartment on two levels in Doussard, at the southern end of beautiful Lac d'Annecy in the Rhone-Alpes region of France.
We're convenient for Annecy itself, for a relaxing holiday or for activities on and around the lake and its surrounding mountains whether Spring, Summer Autumn or Winter. You can go swimming in the fresh, clear water of Lac'Annecy in summer and go ski-ing at several ski-stations that are an easy drive from Résidence les Gentianes, without having to be tied to a single ski resort; or spend time exploring Annecy and around the lake - as well as further afield in Albertville, Grenoble, Geneva and even Italy via the Mt Blanc tunnel.
We're also ideally placed for sailing and fishing on the lake; paragliding (with one of the region's most popular landing stations in Doussard itself, and another at Doussard beach); cycling on the dedicated Piste Cyclable (or follow routes taken by the Tour de France!); walking in the hills; playing golf at two courses nearby; or simply relaxing with coffee or beer in the village or at the lakeside ...
One of only 3 separately designed apartments in our building, Résidence les Gentianes is traditional Alpine style in a modern building.
Résidence les Gentianes is equipped to a very high standard, including a larger-than-usual balcony with a view to Mt Charbon.
The first level comprises a kitchen and living/dining area leading to the balcony; double bedroom 1 with 150cm bed and access to the balcony; bathroom (bath with shower), separate toilet and laundry. Two staircases lead from the living area to a mezzanine double bedroom (140cm bed) and to Bedroom 3 with bunk beds.
We were awarded 4 stars based on sleeping 6, but the sofa in the living area converts into another full-size double bed, so it's possible to sleep up to 8 in total, or to have the flexibility of maybe 5 or 6 visitors using more beds. We provide bedlinen and towels accordingly. We can also provide a travel cot (at no extra charge).
The balcony is big enough for family-dining outdoors during the warm weather. The apartment is designed in the traditional Alpine style including sloping ceilings and exposed beams. The kitchen area includes an oven/grill and hob, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave and lots of pots, pans and dishes if you want to make the most of all the fresh produce you can buy at nearby supermarkets and superstores.
We have satellite TV with English-language channels inc BBC, ITV etc, and wireless Internet access that's included in the rental (and is faster than our connection in the UK!) There's our room we call the laundry; and in the basement we have our own garage.
Our location is ideal for more than water sports, sun-bathing and swimming in Summer and as a base for ski-ing in Winter. During our Spring and Autumn breaks we see many hang-gliders overhead; and cyclists on the Piste Cyclable that runs from Annecy, along the lake and past Doussard to Faverges and beyond to Ugine, approaching Albertville. These are fantastic seasons to see the spectacular Spring and Autumn colours on the mountains, whether walking in the hills near Résidence les Gentianes or gazing at them from Bar des 4 Chemins in the village or from the lakeside itself. There are more photos on our own website (linked to this one). You can see Mont Blanc on a clear day from one of the golf courses nearby, or from the ski station above the lake where the centenary Tour de France final Alpine stage finished.
During December, Annecy's Christmas market is very popular, set along the canals that feature in the iconic photos you see in travel features about the region.
We love to visit throughout the year ... and being in Doussard itself is just so convenient. (I say that becasue we are in Doussard, and not in one of the surrounding villages that sometimes are described as being in Doussard but aren't). We have the supermarket, boulangerie, bank, and Bar des 4 Chemins and its delicious lunches - all without needing to take the car!
More details follow ... including a link to our own website. We've had visitors from UK, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, S Africa, Sweden and Switzerland. Several British, French and Dutch families have visited 2 or 3 times; and two families have visited 5 times!
We hope we might hear from you, and that we might make you very welcome ... .