Annecy

Stroll around the Old Town's streets and you will discover a lot of small shops under the arcades and the gates, for any style and any budget. Mid-range and expensive designers gather there, as well as numerous artisan boutiques and workshops.

During their honeymoon, right after the end of WWII, Jean-Pierre and Renée Pochat learnt the art of hat manufacturing and took over a hat workshop in Annecy, their hometown, which the Burdin family had run for more than 40 years. Today, in this century-old shop, you can find the most exquisite hat you have ever dreamt. Its large choice and excellent quality make this traditional and authentic boutique a must-go.

Founded in 1935, the Fromagerie Gay has become an institution in Annecy and is the heaven of cheese-lovers. Pierre Gay, the cheese maker who has run his grandparents' store since 1982, was voted "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" (Best Worker in France) in 2011, and now selects and offers only the very best Savoyard cheeses, even the ones that are not the most popular: if you want to taste the exquisite flavours of Reblochon, Chevrotin, Beaufort, Bleu and all the different goat "tommes" (an Alpine cheese), you should definitely pay him a visit.

This lovely shop abounding of treasures is found in the heart of the city, in an old street full of fascinating artisan boutiques selling handicrafts. Here, traditional pottery is beautifully presented to form a colourful ambience, from mugs to pitchers, vases, pots and oven dishes.

This lovely old bookshop offers the best of French literature, as well as Savoyard humanities and religious books. The wise advice of the staff makes this bookshop a key boutique in Annecy. Moreover, the location of La Procure is interesting if you want to take charming photographs.

France is the country of love, wine and also food. TOC - or "Obsessive Culinary Disorder" - is the boutique where you can give free rein to your passion and find the best accessories to help you. From molecular cuisine to the very basics, the team will know to answer all of your questions.