We arrived in Aix-le-Bains, and checked into the creaky old Savoy Hotel.
Aix-le-Bains is a Victorian-era spa town, and very empty at Christmastime.
But we found their Christmas market, and the mulled wine!!
Lac du Bourget, very gray and quiet in winter.
Strolling the lakeside promenade, we took this very bleak, wintry photo.
Matt's version of that photo!
Sunset over Aix-le-Bains.
Aix-le-Bains's church in the town square, on a gorgeous winter night.
The churchfront, all decked out for Christmas.
Aix-le-Bains has a bygone era feel; this is where Victorian elite would come to "take in the waters." It had France's first casino, which feels like the Monte Carlo in Monaco.
For dinner, we went to a neighborhood bistro called Le QC, where I had the BEST CAFE GOURMAND EVER. From left: Mini versions of blackcurrant sorbet, creme brulee, floating islands, tiramisu, and a chocolate crepe. Yum.
The next day we took the train north to Annecy. Lake Annecy is lovely, and surrounded by the French Alps.
This is Europe's cleanest lake...and it's empty at Christmastime :)
Annecy is known as The Venice of France, because it has canals and bridges running throughout the Old Town.
Old Town Annecy's canals.
The Joneses conquer Annecy!
Annecy had a fabulous Christmas market, with stalls that meandered all around the Old Town. And of course they sold mulled wine.
The Savoie region of France is close to Switzerland, and is known for its cheese dishes. This is tartaflette- cheese, potatoes, and bacon.
Mmmm tartaflette prepare to please Matt.
Have you met my leetle friend?
French Christmas 2017