So, I was minding my own
business last night working on my computer writing my stupid book when I
happened to glance at the TV and saw the movie that was playing and I screamed,
“That’s Annecy!” How often does a movie pop on the television that is set in
your husband’s tiny hometown in the French Alps? Not often, so I got a little excited. I watched the entire movie
in French with no subtitles…because the scenery was stunning and I figured I
know enough French to get the gist. I have been going to Annecy for the past
eight years with my husband when we visit his parents. They have a house on the
lake that they have lived in since 1969! Swear to God. Living in one house for
that many years is a completely foreign concept to me. I like to move…about
every six months. I won’t even tell you how many different houses in Santa
Barbara that I’ve lived in (eight in 10 years). The town of Annecy is situated
on the most beautiful lake your eyes have ever seen. I have a love-hate
relationship with Annecy. I distinctly remember jumping out of my husband’s car in Annecy telling him I would rather walk back to Santa Barbara than sit in a car with
him (don’t worry, we made up). I also distinctly remember swimming in the lake
with my husband lovingly holding his hand. I have always loved Annecy, but not loved, loved it… Until I watched that movie.
The movie was called Le
Genou de Claire. It was made in 1970 by Eric Rohmer. Roger Ebert reviewed the
film in 1971, saying, “Claire's Knee is a movie for people who still read good novels, care
about good films, and think occasionally.” I think occasionally, and I thought
the movie was a little perverted to tell you the truth, but the scenery was magnifique! You can read the whole
review HERE. I found some stills from the movie… Look look look...
Who wouldn’t fall in love with that? A fool, that’s who. So what does Ellie
do? She immediately starts looking for houses in Annecy on the computer. I
know, I know… I’m crazy, but just stay with me. Annecy has everything… The
lake, the mountains, close to Geneva, close to the south of France, three hours
to Paris by train, great restaurants, farmers markets, sort of near Italy,
fresh air, and has beautiful seasons. Look look look.
And now, the second house…
The houses they seem a little rough around the edges but that’s exactly how
I like them. I have a tendency to remodel rental houses at my own expense,
without the landlord’s approval or knowledge. My husband just loves when I do
this. The house with the blue shutters needs to have their “unfortunate”
furniture put in storage and replaced with mine. Sorry blue house with
shutters, no offense. The second house on the lake just needs a little garden
love, some furniture and accessories editing, paint and a little fluffing with all of
my “nice stuff.” I feel like these houses are petite diamonds in the rough. Do
you want to hear a funny story? My ex-husband and I were looking at this old
house in St. Louis with a real estate agent. It was “a bit tired.” He
accidentally said, “It has really nice third
world charm.” I was like,“Uhh, do you mean “old world charm?” So funny.
Don’t worry, there is a beautiful hotel for all of you to check into when
you come to visit me. The hotel is an old monastery that was frequented by Paul
Cézanne. We go there for lunch in the summers. It is called Abbaye de Tailloires… Check out
their website HERE. You will die. Look look look…
Um, YES - do it! There is no time to waste on waiting for adventure to come to you. Maybe a year-round rental, rather than a purchase?
ReplyDeleteYes, move there at once. And get an extra key for us. Any landlord would be grateful for your magic touch. I double-dog dare you.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, amazing. Everywhere in France is TDF! You are so lucky to be living in my dream country. I have been there many times and would move in a heartbeat but our four children are established here.......... ohhhh welllll, I can still live it through you!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely double dog dare you! And hope that you are having a truly wonderful time there this weekend. Looking forward to hearing all about it on your return...
ReplyDeleteAnd I keep forgetting to tell you that I have been to Annecy, once and only for about ten minutes. Remi drove us waaaay out of the way just for me to see the center of town, to stand on that famous bridge...it was night...it was snowing and I swear that the swans were still there in winter...is that possible? Or did I add that in my mind? But it was most certainly magical. An over-used word, I know but it was...
Bisous.