The “Pearl of the Alps”, the lac d’Annecy, was as pretty as ever this weekend. People promenading on the green grass of Le Pâquier in the autumn sunshine. Swans scavenging happily around the Pont des Amours (“Lovers’ Bridge”). Most of the pleasure boats moored near the Château d’Annecy. But also quiet places to get away from the crowds and to enjoy the views of the big granite Alps in the distance.