Saint-Pierre Cathedral is also admired for the way it interacts with the water, and is partly built over the canals.

Saint-Pierre is a lovely renaissance building, constructed in the 1500s, and if it seems a bit subtle for a cathedral that’s because it wasn’t made one until 1825. Make the steep walk up to the Basilique de la Visitation, high to the south of Annecy.

The tower of this 19th-century church can be seen for miles around and possesses one of the best local views of the city.

Inside are the tombs of two saints, Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal.