This morning we took everything a bit more slowly, and enjoyed a break from our hectic schedule. For lunch our Swiss friends provided a lovely assortment of fish, viande sechee (dried beef), five choices of cheese, bread and salad. The kids scored an ice-cream and then we tucked into a selection of Swiss chocolates.

In the afternoon we took the easy half hour boat trip across Lake Geneva to the medieval village of Yvoire (located back in France). The sun was out, the temperature was around 21 degrees, there was just the lightest of breezes and the lake was as smooth as glass. Sitting at the back of the boat we took in the beautiful departing view of Nyon old city, silhouetted against the Jura mountains. All we were missing was a glass of Sav Blanc.

Yvoire is a really pretty little town. It’s only small – you can walk through it briskly in about five minutes. However it’s a great town in which to slowly wander around, peeking into 1,000 year old shops/houses. Prices are considerably cheaper than on the Swiss side of the lake, and also a lot cheaper than Paris. Our group of ten all enjoyed a crepe, mostly with either Nutella or jam, but some were savoury. Altogether we spent a couple of hours here, taking time to just sit in the sun and enjoy the ambiance.

Eventually we hopped back on the boat for the return trip, and before too long we had settled in to more wine and apero (this time we had parmesan cheese drowned in truffle oil). I think we all need to adopt more of the Swiss lifestyle!