Annecy, France
Take a photo-walk through a medieval, alpine town in Southeast France.
Upon learning about Annecy, a medieval alpine town in Southeast France, this breathtaking village quickly made its home at the top of the must-visit-list for my initial trip to France.
Traveling with a top-tier friend makes photos de moi possible.
T R A V E L S K E T C H I N G
My adventures have inspired a return to drawing: my first artistic passion. Sometimes, I sit and sketch on site, finishing with watercolor, colored pencils and ink at a later moment. Other times, I draw and paint solely from my photographs, as illustrated here from three separate images shown above.
C’était magnifique ! I’m eager to explore more cities throughout the French Alps after my relocation. J’aime les montagnes !
with gratitude,
Cass
Lyon, France
It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world.
It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world.
Then on my first Sunday in Lyon, just five days after arriving, something totally unexpected and magical happened. But, before I share those heart-warming details: let me catch you up.
In August 2024, I handed-in [emailed] my resignation to the coolest boss I’ve ever had [besides myself], and didn’t start packing my bags early enough. The goal was to live in Lyon, France during autumn as a reconnaissance trip, before planning a full move in 2025.
A month later, airport-curbside, flight boarding in 30 minutes, and me? Frantically tossing miscellaneous items back into the car [goodbye french notes, I wouldn’t need you anyway—jk, jk, I absolutely needed them]. Don’t worry; I arrived to my gate with 10 minutes to spare, and I landed in Lyon on a sun-filled Tuesday afternoon.
By Thursday, I’d cried all of my what-the-hell-did-I-just-do tears into a lake in the living room of my loft.
Friday morning’s walking tour through Vieux Lyon finally returned a burst of excitement. Saturday tagged-in with a boat tour with a tourist-pal made during Friday’s walking tour, and after, my first full-French conversation [yes, ordering bubble tea counts].
As my worries lifted, Sunday joined the chat.
Mid-afternoon, I arrived at a cafe for a painting-with-coffee workshop (a spontaneous sign-up from a week prior) unknowingly about to meet three fated friends who became foundational to my new life in Lyon.
The awe I still experience reflecting on budding friendships and the beginnings of a community abroad forming within five (5) days: the timing; the Universe’s resounding YES… and the first time I felt true belonging in a place; none of it is lost on me.
[For further context: natal Chiron in 11H.]
I have felt called to this part of the world since childhood.
Within two weeks on stepping foot in France for the very first time, I was certain: Lyon is my home.
Vieux Lyon (above), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is my favorite neighborhood to explore.
From the silk trade to the French Resistance, Lyon’s traboules, or secret passageways, have an undeniably fascinating history.
I will never get over how the sunlight dances across architecture. Every hour, a different song.
On a clear day, you can see the Alps / Mont Blanc: a treat for this Mountains gal. [On a foggy day, if you squint your eyes and believe…]
Et voila ! J’adore Lyon. [Fun fact: I’m six months into learning French et c'est une belle langue.]
with gratitude,
Cass