Annecy: A 40th Birthday in the French Alps

For my 40th birthday, we made a trip I’d been dreaming about: Annecy, France. We started in Paris (see my Paris photo diary), then Justin joined us, and we took the train to the most enchanting town I’ve ever visited.

Annecy felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Truly. Beauty and the Beast vibes everywhere. The mountains rise dramatically around the medieval town, pastel buildings line the canals, and every cobblestone street felt like a little secret waiting to be discovered.

We rented the coolest space (this one!), where we could feed ducks from our bedroom window, watch the sun glint off the water, and feel completely suspended in time. Wandering through the town, pausing for coffee, snapping endless photos. Listening to church bells ringing while our daughter played with the local kids in the playground!? I mean, it was pure joy.

Annecy, France captured our hearts, and this trip was everything I dreamed of and more. Here’s a little glimpse into that magic, one photo at a time, from canals and mountains to quiet streets and golden-hour light.