Annecy a la Northumbrian..(aka........ on the cheap)

[Kay]

Annecy a la Northumbrian….(aka on the cheap !!!!)


So folks, not wanting to tempt you away from these Sunny Shores .
I know the Fire might be warm, and your Slippers Comfy….And EastEnders…well the Story Line………………………………...........

But if you fancy a short break …..Here’s a way that hopefully won’t break the Bank !

Well by default Paul and I ended up with an Easyjet flight to Geneva last Saturday (we were supposed to be running the Chamonix Mountain Marathon..but a received full Sneeze in the face soon diverted any physical running ability I had into Snot Production..which I then passed to Paul..) I digress…….Anyway, The challenge we set ourselves 5 days as cheap as possible paragliding in Annecy.

Car Hire After surfing car hire sites we found the cheapest on the link from www.lastminute.com Then select the most basic smallest car that you can get away with. Invariably because no-one orders these very basics models they do not actually have one and will give you a free up grade…Car Hire for 5 days cost £99.00.
If flying into Geneva order your car from the Swiss side. Far easier for collection and drop off.

Accomodation Our luxury digs on our trip was a two man poppy up tent. (type sold by Decathlon French Sports Goods shop ….or Mr Wolf I think he‘s importing on the Black Market)

Camp Site The Site we use and love is Camping Simon de Verthier 04 50 44 36 57
This site is Basic but Very Clean , Hot Showers, its own Landing Field and only 5mins stroll from the Doussard Landing Field. Cost 12 euros per night per couple inc tent.

Getting To Take Off Well you can off course hitch which is very easy or from July through to the end of August there is a Navette (minibus) runs from the Doussard landing field every hour to Forclaz take off. Cost 6 euros per person.

Odds and Sods With us we also took a small Tranga Stove ,two pastic cups, teaspoon, Tea bags. Boulangerie for early morning coisanttes is a short walk away in Doussard. For Tea..There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants. However in Doussard there is an excellent Pizza sit in or Take-a-way. Fab pizzas at 9 euros. We should have also taken a good pen knife and of course..Bottle Opener. Also in our pack a compact sleeping bag each and vac mat (mattress).

The Big Expense So, the major expense on your journey is your flight. We had an Easyjet from Liverpool to Geneva. Cost £90 ea + plus £10 each gave 2o kilos extra of luggage ea (total ea 40 kilos each way), which left plenty of slack for wing and all the extras.Hand luggage has no weight restriction..within reason. Unfortunately the journey to Liverpool and Car Parking does add quite a lot. So, it maybe worth looking into a KLM/Air FRance flight from Ncle/Schipol then Schipol/Geneva.

So, A 5 day trip we had 3 flying days, could have flown the evening of arrival. Some Fantastic weather and sun. Some great walks and Via Ferrata at Thone..more adrenalin pumping then a 12 m/sec thermal !!!! A Great Time.

Below should be a few pics of our packed and un packed kit……Go on give it ago…
If you don’t try it this year….You’ll be a Year older before you do ………………….

[John Wallis]

Whats the crack with Easyjet they don't fly to Geneva from Newcastle but they do from Liverpool or Edinburgh? That would have made a big difference to your budget. Was that climb the north face of the Eiger?

Nothing like a nice relaxing holiday

Good write up Kay.

[AlastairW]

Excellent Kay!

We went to the via ferrata at Thone.... but chickened out and went to the go ape thingy instead......