The Abbaye is situated right on Lake Annecy with private access to the lake, complete with loungers The gardens are lovely and you can sit outside enjoying a leisurely kir royale while soaking up the view. Inside the Abbaye has been beautifully restored as a hotel, and art gallery - changing exhibitions of local artists (painters, potters) adorn the walls (and are for sale, should you so wish). Our first room was with a lake view - it was small - somewhat monastic, with not a lot of space should you have as much luggage as we had. Because of an impending wedding in the hotel, we were moved to a garden view room, which was significantly larger which we felt was much better for us (and the luggage!). There is no lift, so people who cannot climb stairs should perhaps look elsewhere. The staff are warm and helpful. (One of them kindly reversed by car out of the car park as I am so useless at reversing!). I would definitely recommend L'Abbaye for a special stay; it is one of a kind.