Résidence les Gentianes, Lac d'Annecy - popular with Paragliders and Cyclists
Apartment in Doussard
6 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsSki in / Ski out, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
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About this apartment rental
Your accommodation is one of only 3 separately-designed apartments in our building that's ideally located in the village of Doussard, at the southern end of beautiful Lac d'Annecy in the Rhone-Alpes region of France.
We're very popular with paragliders because of our nearby location, and we've hosted pilots from UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong. Lake Annecy is recognised as a world-class location for para-gliding, and several companies are based in Doussard because of the popular landing site behind the leisure centre.
Doussard is a great location also for cyclists, so close to the Piste Cyclable that runs north to Annecy and south to Ugine in Savoie; and the Tour de France often passes nearby. (We're not far from the finish of the penultimate stage of the centenary Tour de France and crowning of the "King of the Mountains", after there had been a time trial around the lake).
The lake itself is great for swimming in its crystal-clear water. We're only a few minutes from Doussard's grassy beach and the marina (and another paragliding landing site).
In winter, it's practical to go ski-ing at several ski stations that are drivable for the day; and of course we're convenient for Annecy itself where we often visit more than once in the same day!
Résidence les Gentianes is traditional Alpine style in a modern building, and we have a garage and a large balcony. We consider it our home from home, and reviews and comments we've received appreciate that we have equipped our property on that basis. We're on two levels, with the main bedroom (150cm bed) on the same level as the living/dining area including access onto the balcony, Bedroom 2 (140cm double bed) upstairs on the mezzanine and Bedroom 3 also upstairs, with two bunk-beds (90cm).
We have six bed-spaces, therefore, but we usually accept bookings only from families of up to 4. Find out more about the possibilities by clicking the button to "make an enquiry".
Don't ever click the "Reservation Request" (that's the bigger button beside the "Enquiry" button) as that means I'd have to accept or decline your request in 24 hours, and that sometimes isn't long enough to confirm that what we have is what you seek. It's a measure of our desire that you should have as perfect a visit as possible that we have that conversation, initially on-line via the Homeaway system. Instead, click "Ask Owner a Question", as sending an "enquiry" but not yet a "request"" provides that opportunity. I'll hold your preferred dates while we have that discussion, so there's no risk of you losing the booking.
Résidence les Gentianes is in a great location therefore, whether for a relaxing break or an activity holiday - in Annecy itself or for activities on and around the lake and its surrounding mountains. There's always something to do or to see, whether Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. You can go swimming in the fresh, clear water of Lac'Annecy in summer, or try out paragliding. During the winter months we have visitors who go ski-ing at several ski-stations that are an easy drive from where we are, without having to be tied to a single ski resort; and if you want to take a break from ski-ing you can 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.
Cycling is popular all-year-round, and the Piste Cyclable that started as an innovative use of the old railway line from Annecy to Ugine, near Albertville, and is only a few minutes from Résidence les Gentianes, has been extended recently so that now you can ride almost entirely around much of the lake without having to share your space with other road users (except for quite short distances near Talloires and Menthon).
We're also ideally placed for sailing and fishing on the lake; walking in the hills; playing golf at three courses nearby; or simply relaxing with coffee or beer in the village or at the lakeside ...
I mentioned that 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 - see photo) and to Bedroom 3 with two bunk beds.
We can accommodate 6, but we usually agree to enquiries from families of up to four. (Apologies for repeating that, but hopefully it answers the question we're asked most frequently - about who sleeps where!) 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 TV with French and English-language channels (inc BBC, ITV etc by satellite), and wireless Internet access that's included in the rental (and is as fast as our fibre-optic connection in the UK!) There's our room we call the laundry with its washing machine and tumble-dryer; and in the basement we have our own garage.
Our location is ideal for more than the water sports, sun-bathing and swimming, base for ski-ing, para-gliding and cycling, that I've mentioned already. There are fantastic seasons on the lake, to see 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 this site and I can send more (although some might only be accessible after booking because of VRBO's rules about not sharing contact details until after a booking has been confirmed). 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 October, on a Saturday around the 12th, there's an amazing day of music, activities and market stalls to celebrate the "Retour des Alpage", when cattle and other farm animals return from grazing on the higher mountains slopes to spend the winter in the more benign surroundings of the lake. 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; and there's Noel des Alpes to enjoy until early January.
We love to visit throughout the year ... and being in Doussard itself is just so convenient. (I say that because we are in Doussard, and not in one of the surrounding villages that sometimes are described as being in Doussard but actually aren't, meaning you'll need to drive into Doussard for our amenities). We have the supermarket, boulangerie, bank, post office and Bar des 4 Chemins and its delicious lunches - all without needing to take the car!
More specifics follow ... and as I've mentioned, we have our own website including travel details etc.
If you are interested, however, please don't click "Request Booking" just yet as that will need your credit card details (I think) and certainly will demand that I need to accept or decline in 24 hours - and that might not be possible, for example if I'm away. If you simply click "Ask Owner a Question" that will send me an "Enquiry" and I promise to get back to you within a few hours. We can agree whether "what we have" is "what you're looking for" and hopefully proceed to confirm your visit ... .
Also, please note that during the summer months in particular visits are from Saturday-Saturday, unless you wish to visit for more than a week when we can discuss the details. Mid-week arrivals are possible, and dates can be more flexible outside the peak holiday season, but Sunday arrivals, whatever the season, are possible only if our previous visitors have left by the Friday or Saturday, so we have time to prepare properly for your arrival.
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 ... .
We're very popular with paragliders because of our nearby location, and we've hosted pilots from UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong. Lake Annecy is recognised as a world-class location for para-gliding, and several companies are based in Doussard because of the popular landing site behind the leisure centre.
Doussard is a great location also for cyclists, so close to the Piste Cyclable that runs north to Annecy and south to Ugine in Savoie; and the Tour de France often passes nearby. (We're not far from the finish of the penultimate stage of the centenary Tour de France and crowning of the "King of the Mountains", after there had been a time trial around the lake).
The lake itself is great for swimming in its crystal-clear water. We're only a few minutes from Doussard's grassy beach and the marina (and another paragliding landing site).
In winter, it's practical to go ski-ing at several ski stations that are drivable for the day; and of course we're convenient for Annecy itself where we often visit more than once in the same day!
Résidence les Gentianes is traditional Alpine style in a modern building, and we have a garage and a large balcony. We consider it our home from home, and reviews and comments we've received appreciate that we have equipped our property on that basis. We're on two levels, with the main bedroom (150cm bed) on the same level as the living/dining area including access onto the balcony, Bedroom 2 (140cm double bed) upstairs on the mezzanine and Bedroom 3 also upstairs, with two bunk-beds (90cm).
We have six bed-spaces, therefore, but we usually accept bookings only from families of up to 4. Find out more about the possibilities by clicking the button to "make an enquiry".
Don't ever click the "Reservation Request" (that's the bigger button beside the "Enquiry" button) as that means I'd have to accept or decline your request in 24 hours, and that sometimes isn't long enough to confirm that what we have is what you seek. It's a measure of our desire that you should have as perfect a visit as possible that we have that conversation, initially on-line via the Homeaway system. Instead, click "Ask Owner a Question", as sending an "enquiry" but not yet a "request"" provides that opportunity. I'll hold your preferred dates while we have that discussion, so there's no risk of you losing the booking.
Résidence les Gentianes is in a great location therefore, whether for a relaxing break or an activity holiday - in Annecy itself or for activities on and around the lake and its surrounding mountains. There's always something to do or to see, whether Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. You can go swimming in the fresh, clear water of Lac'Annecy in summer, or try out paragliding. During the winter months we have visitors who go ski-ing at several ski-stations that are an easy drive from where we are, without having to be tied to a single ski resort; and if you want to take a break from ski-ing you can 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.
Cycling is popular all-year-round, and the Piste Cyclable that started as an innovative use of the old railway line from Annecy to Ugine, near Albertville, and is only a few minutes from Résidence les Gentianes, has been extended recently so that now you can ride almost entirely around much of the lake without having to share your space with other road users (except for quite short distances near Talloires and Menthon).
We're also ideally placed for sailing and fishing on the lake; walking in the hills; playing golf at three courses nearby; or simply relaxing with coffee or beer in the village or at the lakeside ...
I mentioned that 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 - see photo) and to Bedroom 3 with two bunk beds.
We can accommodate 6, but we usually agree to enquiries from families of up to four. (Apologies for repeating that, but hopefully it answers the question we're asked most frequently - about who sleeps where!) 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 TV with French and English-language channels (inc BBC, ITV etc by satellite), and wireless Internet access that's included in the rental (and is as fast as our fibre-optic connection in the UK!) There's our room we call the laundry with its washing machine and tumble-dryer; and in the basement we have our own garage.
Our location is ideal for more than the water sports, sun-bathing and swimming, base for ski-ing, para-gliding and cycling, that I've mentioned already. There are fantastic seasons on the lake, to see 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 this site and I can send more (although some might only be accessible after booking because of VRBO's rules about not sharing contact details until after a booking has been confirmed). 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 October, on a Saturday around the 12th, there's an amazing day of music, activities and market stalls to celebrate the "Retour des Alpage", when cattle and other farm animals return from grazing on the higher mountains slopes to spend the winter in the more benign surroundings of the lake. 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; and there's Noel des Alpes to enjoy until early January.
We love to visit throughout the year ... and being in Doussard itself is just so convenient. (I say that because we are in Doussard, and not in one of the surrounding villages that sometimes are described as being in Doussard but actually aren't, meaning you'll need to drive into Doussard for our amenities). We have the supermarket, boulangerie, bank, post office and Bar des 4 Chemins and its delicious lunches - all without needing to take the car!
More specifics follow ... and as I've mentioned, we have our own website including travel details etc.
If you are interested, however, please don't click "Request Booking" just yet as that will need your credit card details (I think) and certainly will demand that I need to accept or decline in 24 hours - and that might not be possible, for example if I'm away. If you simply click "Ask Owner a Question" that will send me an "Enquiry" and I promise to get back to you within a few hours. We can agree whether "what we have" is "what you're looking for" and hopefully proceed to confirm your visit ... .
Also, please note that during the summer months in particular visits are from Saturday-Saturday, unless you wish to visit for more than a week when we can discuss the details. Mid-week arrivals are possible, and dates can be more flexible outside the peak holiday season, but Sunday arrivals, whatever the season, are possible only if our previous visitors have left by the Friday or Saturday, so we have time to prepare properly for your arrival.
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 ... .
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Ski in / Ski out
Family friendly
Map of Doussard
££££
Reviews
5.0
We had a lovely stay at Les Gentianes. The owner has provided everything a group or family will need for a self catered stay (but there are good restaurants nearby).
The owner's information to guests is detailed so you have everything you need to feel comfortable.
The garage was put to good use (paddle boards and bikes) but I parked in the numerous local parking bays to avoid negotiating the ramp and manoeuvring in the lower ground.
The rooms were comfortable with fans provided because they get rather hot.
We love being active so Doussard and Annecy are the perfect destination - Les Gentianes is located perfectly to enjoy access to activities and the cycle path but with the peace away from the hubbub nearer the lake.
5.0
Remarkable Location for Paragliding Pilots
The Property is a great size for a group of good friends.
The location is a short walk to the Paragliding Landing Zone alongside the Shuttle to launch!!
The unit was clean and well apointed with a lovely big balcony and amazing views at a great rate.
The concise and friendly communication with the owner was second to none!
Highly Recommended !!!
I
5.0
bel appartement et bon emplacement
Alan est très organisé et sympathique. Super séjour
5.0
Alles gut
Am Ende der Saison gab es einige wenige Defekte, sonst war alles super.
4.0
Very nice appartement
Complete appartement with nice balcony. Good size at a quiet road. Supermarket close by. Beatifull area to go on holliday, Very nice contact with the owner to answer all our questions.
5.0
in ruhiger Lage am Lac d'Annecy
Doussard liegt ruhig am Südzipfel des Sees. Die Infrastruktur ist sehr gut (Die Fewo liegt direkt über einer Apotheke, der Supermarkt ist über die Straße erreichbar).
Die Wohnung ist mit allem ausgestattet, was benötigt wird. Wir waren als 5köpfige Familie unterwegs. Etwas irreführend war der Hinweis auf "3 Schlafzimmer": ein Schlafzimmer ist mit einer Tür zu schließen. Die weiteren Schlafplätze befinden sich auf einer Art Empore, die von der Wohnküche in V-Form über Treppen erreichbar sind. Ein Schlaf"abteil" ist mit einem Doppelstockbett ausgestattet, das andere mit einem Doppelbett.
Toll ist eine extra abgeschlossene Garage in der hauseigenen Tiefgarage...bei größeren Autos (z.B. Opel Zafira) ist das Tor leider nicht schließbar.
Ein großer Vorteil: die inkludierte Nutzung von Waschmaschine und Trockner!
Der Aufenthalt an sich hat uns aber sehr gut gefallen. Den Steinstrand von Doussard haben wir nur zweimal besucht, danach haben wir unseren Lieblingsplatz zum Baden in einem der Nachbarorte, in Talloires, gefunden...herrlich ein Sprung ins smaragdgrüne kühle Nass des Sees...
5.0
Bel appartement
Appartement dans un batiment composé de 4 appartements au dessus de la Pharmacie du village de Doussard. Pas de difficulté de parking car il comporte un garage au sous sol.
Situé au centre du village, accès direct au commerces , et évidemment pour nous parapentistes parfaitement situé entre l’atterrissage du SIV et celui de Doussard et à 15 min de Talloires en voiture, au top !
Un très bon contact avec le propriétaire, tout est parfaitement expliqué fiche pour tout, merci .
La pièce à vivre et sa terrasse sont très agréables à vivre. Chambre sdb nickel .
Merci encore pour ce séjour.
Jérémie.
5.0
Gemütliches Apartment
Wir haben einen schönen Urlaub in diesem Apartment und am wunderbaren Annecy See ( Doussard) verbracht. Die Umgebung ist ein Traum. Das Apartment ist gut ausgestattet mit allem was braucht, es fehlte an nichts. Es gibt reichlich Infomaterial. Die Buchung verlief reibungslos. Der Kontakt mit dem Vermieter war sehr freundlich. Die Wohnung liegt zentral in Doussard aber trotzdem sehr ruhig. Supermarkt und alles was man braucht ist in kurzer Distanz zu erreichen. Auch der Strand mit kostenlosem Zugang ist mit dem Fahrrad schnell erreicht. Wir waren schon zum zweiten mal am Annecy See und bestimmt nicht das letzte mal ;)
5.0
Lovely place to stay for Lake Annecy Summer hols
The apartment was clean, well equipped and suited us very well for our week-long stay. We found the small Carrefour opposite was sufficient for our shopping needs along with the bakers and the market on Monday. The instructions and communication by the owner were excellent. We hired a car at Geneva airport and I would say that a car is required - it is quite a long walk to the lake from the apartment and it is lovely to visit other swimming areas/towns around the lake - Talloires was our personal favourite for being in the water!
5.0
Agréable et calme au centre du village
Séjour très agréable, beau temps tout le long, très bien situé avec un balcon avec une belle vue et ou l'on peut déjeuner sans problème.
3.0
En Doussard, a una media hora de Annecy.
La vivienda está bien aunque las escaleras resultan algo incomodas y en los colchones de las literas se notan todos los muelles y resultan muy incómodos.
5.0
Fantastic well appointed apartment, perfect base for our cycling holiday
Fantastic comms from Alan ( owner) prior to arrival with everything needed for the journey down and on arriving. At the property there’s ample secure parking in basement with internal stairs to property. The property has everything we needed from the lovely balcony which gets afternoon sun to the well appointed kitchen/living space.The property on arrival has a excellent kitchen/lounge area with a wheelable table which seats 6, so can be moved around to suit, the lounge area has nice chairs and a sofa bed, small tv but adequate, cd/radio player and dvds and player as well as plenty of books and games should they be needed. Also toilet and utility room located in this area just on right of entering the front door..On moving to the master bedroom you go up and over a lovely little wood open staircase which if needed leads up to 2 further bedrooms ( 1 double and 1 bunk bed) both with storage and a velux window.We only used the master bedroom which is up and over 2 steps and again has loads of wardrobe and storage space and also has access to the balcony.The bathroom has a good shower/bath space with everything needed for us.The property was clean and tidy and all set up for our arrival with the bedding waiting for us to put on, plenty of towels as well. We used the property as a base for our cycling holiday and with very expensive road bikes there was room for ours in the property which was piece of mind however you had space outside the property’s front door which was secure or even down in basement...a dozen steps down to the main front door and your outside, it’s 5 mins cycling to the extensive Annecy to Alberville cyclepath which gives access to climbs towards Semnoz and Col de Forclaz as well as many others. Doussard has everything we needed but is a lovely quiet alpine village, it’s got a small carrefour which has everyyou need, there is a pharmacy, bakery, butchers, a few nice cafes/ bars offering meals as well as a great takeaway pizza a few minutes walk away....just on the edge of the village is the landing zone for the paragliders which is always a good watch if your not brave enough to have a go.... Alan is the perfect owner as he asked if there was special requirements needed for our stay, making sure we had everything covered for our stay, we would absolutely recommend this property and we will be back again, it’s a great space to enjoy a chilled break in a lovely property.Alan covers everything in his handover documents reassuringly
5.0
Doussard centre
Logement typique très bien équipé et propre. Il est situé au centre de Doussard avec toutes les commodités nécessaires à proximité. Le lac est a 5mn en voiture et 15 mn en vélo par la piste cyclable .
5.0
Situation géographique geniale
Appart magnifique, très bien équipé il ne manque rien. Très propre ! Avec vue sur les montagnes. Nous le recommandons vivement.
5.0
A Wonderful Vacation Spot to Call Home!
The Residence les Gentianes is a comfortable complete apartment home which is clean and well equipped. It's location is convenient to the pharmacy, grocery store, restaurants, and also Flyeo paragliding, and 1/4 mile from the Doussard paragliding zone. The Wi-fi is fast and easy to connect to. The owner is more than thorough in his communications and eager to offer information regarding the operation of equipment in the apartment and also the surrounding area attractions. There is a substantial balcony which faces the mountain range to the west of town. I would definitely consider staying again when visiting Doussard. I was a fabulous place to stay, and a great place to call home while away from home!
FAQs
How much does this apartment cost compared to others in Doussard?
The average price for a rental in Doussard is £80 per night. This rental is £25 above the average.
Is parking included with this apartment?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Résidence les Gentianes, Lac d'Annecy - popular with Paragliders and Cyclists. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this apartment?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this apartment. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Résidence les Gentianes, Lac d'Annecy - popular with Paragliders and Cyclists pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this apartment is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Résidence les Gentianes, Lac d'Annecy - popular with Paragliders and Cyclists?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, laundry, and balcony or patio.
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