Converted barn in Haute-Savoie, France

La Ferme de Picolo details

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La Ferme de Picolo - winter view

The Old Prison - Annecy

Lac d'Annecy - lakeside activities

Annecy - firework festival

Annecy le vieux (old town)

Annecy le vieux - the lovers bridge

Semnoz ski resort - snow shoe tracks

Semnoz ski resort - children's sledging run

Semnoz resort - summer sledging

Semnoz hiking and biking tracks

Semnoz - paragliding paradise

Vieugy - clearly marked hiking routes

Mont Blanc viewed from the Semnoz

Seynod - historic church detail

Seynod - historic church

Semnoz resort - winter trees

La Ferme de Picolo - alcove detail

La Ferme de Picolo - wall detail

La Ferme de Picolo - wall detail

Home description

La Ferme de Picolo is superbly situated in the ancient village of Vieugy at the foot of the Semnoz mountain range bordering Les Bauges national park. While the historic lakeside town of Annecy is only a short drive away, La Ferme de Picolo is surrounded by rural countryside, hiking paths and stunning views of the Alps. Unusually, La Ferme de Picolo is ideally situated for quiet tranquil retreats and outdoor activity type holidays - summer or winter. As such, it is ideally equipped for to two or three families plus children with diverse needs and expectations. With the Semnoz family ski resort, Lac d'Annecy and the historic city of Annecy only a stones throw away, all manner of sporting/touristic activities are available to suit every need.

La Ferme de Picolo was built in 1810 and in use as an agricultural building until relatively recently. Renovated over the last 4 years, many original features have been retained and every effort has been made to use environmentally friendly materials. The rooms have been re-furbished with good taste and style and the accommodation is very flexible.

There is a spacious garden (800 m2) equipped with a dining patio and barbecue plus a covered parking area. Since La Ferme sits on a forest track, there is little danger to children of traffic. A short walk from the front door leads to stunning views - both summer and winter. The main Summer activities in the immediate area are rambling, mountain biking and horse riding. Several trails depart directly from La Ferme and, with well planned circular routes, will lead you back home when you can walk no further. The same trails may double up as snow shoe tours in the winter. We can supply maps, advice and directions when required.

Accommodation detail

The family kitchen

The TV/Games room showing mezzanine access

Bedroom 1 - single bunks can also be added

Bedroom 2 - photo taken from the mezzanine

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La Ferme de Picolo is a lovingly renovated farm built in 1810 sporting a number of original features. The renovation has been completed with a great deal of taste, refinement and sensitivity. Particular attention has been paid to the use of environmentally friendly materials. With 160m2 of livable space, it can comfortably accommodate 2 to 3 couples plus children in total comfort (13 places max.). In addition, there is a large garden with a patio area and parking for several cars. Tucked away as it is, children can play at liberty without fear of danger from local traffic.

Entrance Hall
Spacious entrance hall with shoe cupboard, bench and ground floor toilet leads to:

Living room
A large well lit lounge (50 m2) featuring original wooden beams, a central wood burning stove, quarry tiled floor with underfloor heating and a charmingly eclectic range of antique furniture. A single bed settee is available if required. There are various nooks and crannies in the white rustic walls where art objects have been displayed to some effect. The dining area features a long monastery type table with an antique dresser for glasses and tableware. Large patio doors lead to the garden and an outside dining area. In short, this is a delightfully cosy family room furnished with style and good taste throughout.

Kitchen
At 20 m2, the kitchen is a spacious and practical living space. The walls are decorated with a soft natural ocre pigment. Innovative and original storage units contrast well with high quality modern appliances (brushed aluminium cooker, dishwasher and large fridge/freezer, microwave etc). Taking up the centre of the kitchen is a farm type table with chairs. There is direct access from the kitchen to the entrance hall and living room. The floor on this first level is covered with quarry tiles.

TV & Games Room
Stairs from the living room open out into a large TV and Games room of approximately 35 m2. This is a wonderfully well lit space with large velux roof windows, exposed beams and a polished chestnut wood floor. A double bed/settee is available plus other seating. There is also a mezzanine suitable for children (age 6 upwards), teenagers and small adults, accessible by ladder. This provides an additional sleeping place if required.

Bedroom 1
This is a 23 m2 'designer' bedroom, which has been furnished and decorated with considerable flair. There is a double bed, a 'walk in' dressing room, an antique wardrobe plus original storage under the eaves. In addition to the double bed, single bunk beds are available for this room if required.

Bedroom 2
This bedroom (20 m2) is equipped with twin beds, a baby bed (suitable for ages 2-5) and a delightful mezzanine accessible by stairs. The mezzanine is suitable for children (age 6 upwards), teenagers and small adults, accessible by stairs from the bedroom. This is a well lit room featuring large velux roof windows. 

Bedroom 3
A door from the TV room leads to bedroom 3 (10 m2). There is a double bed plus storage spaces.

Shower Room
This shower room effectively serves the guests using Bedroom 3 and the TV room.

Bathroom
Situated across the landing from Bedroom 1, this bathroom serves bedrooms 1 & 2. There is also a separate toilet next door.

About the location

Five minutes away by car, there is a large commercial centre with a supermarket, boutiques, cafeteria and gas station. Every Wednesday, in Seynod (next village) there is a producer’s market from 8AM to 12AM. Vieugy is exactly 10 minutes away from the centre of Annecy. There is a regular bus service from Quintal or Seynod. A car is essential if you would like to explore the area to the full.

Annecy

Annecy is a delightful city of 50.000 people. Often called the ‘little Venice of the Alps’ because of its canal network, it’s situated on the banks of the famous Lac d’Annecy. With it’s wonderful backdrop of Alpine Peaks, the Lake is justifiably one of the major attractions for the Alps. The old part of the city is extraordinarily picturesque and may be one of the most ‘photographed’ cities in France. As one would expect, there are a large selection of excellent restaurants and high class shops. The cultural activities are numerous, especially during holiday times as are all sorts of watersports and mountain activities.

You can check on the Annecy website for annual special events of renoun such as :

- First Saturday of August (exceptionally the 2^nd this year 2009) the biggest fireworks event in Europe takes place and is absolutely magic.

- The second Saturday of October, the streets of Annecy are invaded by herds of decorated cattle coming back down from the alpage. This event is an opportunity for old trades to be demonstrated, producers have their stands, and you can discover the traditions of the Savoie region in a great atmosphere of conviviality.

- Annecy is also the world capital of cartoon movies and animations. This art festival takes place every year in June. Please check on Annecy’s website.

Geneva

Geneva is an expensive city, but clean, efficient and a pleasure to visit with its beautiful Old Town, fine museums and an excellent public transport system. The city enjoys a mild climate with relatively low rainfall. The super-rich community of international civil servants and tax exiles demand good food, top hotels and entertainment and Geneva provides it all. Beneath the stereotypical veneer of diamonds and watches, however, one finds a tolerant and safe society with the Genevois strangely similar to the British - reserved but courteous.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Archery, Badminton, Ballooning, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Canyoning, Caving, Cycling, Diving, Drawing and painting, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Ice skating, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Paragliding, Rambling, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Shopping, Sightseeing, Skiing, Snorkelling, Snowboarding, Spa, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Theme parks, Tree adventure park, Via Ferrata, Walking, Water skiing, Water sports, White water rafting, Wind Surfing, Wine tasting, Wine touring

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Vieugy is a 7 to 7.5 hour drive from ferry ports such as Calais or Le Havre. It is situated just south of Annecy off the A41/E712.

Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble airports are conveniently close by. Transfer times from Geneva and Chambery are 35 minutes while Lyon is approximately 1 hour and Grenoble 1.5 hrs.

Distance of main cities

• Geneva : 48 km
• Chambery: 50 km
• Chamonix : 105 km
• Grenoble : 109 km
• Lyon : 139 km
• Paris : 545 km
• Calais : 840 km
• Le Havre : 750 km

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.