Returned to the apartment on Lake Annecy Thursday evening after visiting ville Gruyères which was very interesting and had luncheon at the factory restaurant. Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, the medieval village of Gruyères is a storybook destination known for its cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and world-famous cheese. This picturesque town invites visitors to step back in time, with the stunning Château de Gruyères overlooking the lush green valley and snow-capped peaks. Beyond its historic charm, Gruyères is a paradise for food lovers—home to traditional fondue and the celebrated Gruyère cheese that bears its name. Whether you’re exploring its art museums, savoring a café on the quaint village square, or hiking the scenic trails nearby, Gruyères offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and alpine beauty.
Roaming around one of the open-air markets, umbrella in hand, adds to the cozy, almost mysterious air as the smell of roasting chicken, cheeses, and sausages feels intensified by the damp air. Locals huddle under awnings, giving a communal, lively feel despite the weather. Rain makes it the perfect excuse to linger—try a slice of tarte aux myrtilles or a rich gâteau de Savoie with a pot of tea or café crème. The wafting smell of freshly-baked bread is intensified by the dampness, welcoming one to tear off a piece of the still-warm baguette even before departing the Boulangerie!
In both Duingt and Annecy, rain turns the lake silver, blurs the mountains into layers of mist, and transforms the whole area into something quieter, more secretive, caressingly seductive, almost cinematic. It’s less about outdoor adventure, more about atmosphere, history, and cozy indulgence.
The beautifully ripened fruits and vegetables offer mouth-watering appeal and invites one to devise ways to use them. The large, perfectly ripened figs (one of my favorite fruits) were one such way. Dinner last night was pan-seared boneless loin of pork with my invented sauce: we had picked some apples along the roadside two days earlier and my mind quickly devised a great sauce for the pork: cut up figs and apples cooked in a sauce pan with healthy splashes of cognac and Grand Marnier, then mashed into a very thick sauce topping the perfectly seared pork – ethereal and quite delicious. It was the perfect end to a misty day in the mountains of Lake Annecy.
The weather was stormy and grey and damp. Made Coquilles St. Jacques, then realized we had no Coquilles shells, so I made it with fettuccine pasta and, voilá, a new dish – Coquilles St. Jacques Alfredo and it was beyond fabulous! Friday morning was still gray and threatening and I made Eggs Benedict over Brioche toast (no English Muffins to be seen anywhere) with a Spinach quiche – that was delicious as well. The town where we are staying is actually a little north of the city (ville) of Annecy and is called Duingt and, apparently, only correctly pronounced if one has a severe head cold! Having a glorious time. Lake Annecy is the deepest lake in France and, reportedly, the cleanest lake in France.
Nestled in the French Alps, Lake Annecy is a shimmering jewel of turquoise waters framed by majestic mountains. Often called “Europe’s cleanest lake,” its pristine beauty invites leisurely boat rides, lakeside strolls, and peaceful moments soaking in the alpine sun. Surrounded by charming towns and villages, Annecy offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine—where you can savor fresh seafood by the water, explore colorful canals, and hike scenic trails with panoramic views. Whether it’s a quiet morning on the lake or an evening enjoying local gastronomy, Lake Annecy is a destination where every moment feels timeless.
Final home-cooked meal in France
When we were at the Restaurant near the ski lift near Annecy we had a delicious lunch – Potato Omelette (what grand idea) and small salad. This morning, on my last day in Annecy, I duplicated that Potato Omelette and made Pain Perdu (the best way to use up the last of the wonderful Baguette) w with Apricot Preserves – what a grand brunch, indeed!
Dr. Jeffrey T. Marvin
Food and Arts Critic Extraordinaire
Family Beautiful Magazine
