Hôtel Le Clos des Sens

Where three-Michelin-starred gastronomy meets alpine tranquility, Hôtel Le Clos des Sens in Annecy le Vieux transforms a Second Empire manor into France's most distinctive culinary retreat. Perched on the hillsides above Lake Annecy, this intimate Relais & Châteaux property redefines luxury through its revolutionary farm-to-table philosophy and immersive sensory experiences.

Founded in 1992 by Laurent Petit and Martine Coin, Le Clos des Sens has evolved from ambitious restaurant to acclaimed 5-star hotel, earning its third Michelin star in 2019 under the continued leadership of Chef Franck Derouet and Head Sommelier Thomas Lorival. The property's expansion in 2012 incorporated a former communal school and 14th-century Café Brunet, tripling its footprint while preserving its historical soul. As a founding member of France's Collège Culinaire alongside Alain Ducasse, the establishment represents the pinnacle of French culinary artistry.

Eleven meticulously appointed rooms and suites at this Annecy le Vieux luxury hotel blend contemporary purity with authentic alpine heritage. Each accommodation features wood-burning or graphic fireplaces, antique woodwork, and leather furnishings, while bathrooms showcase whirlpool tubs and oversized showers. The design philosophy emphasizes connection to nature, with rooms offering serene views over the property's permaculture gardens and distant lake vistas. These intimate spaces reflect the hotel's commitment to sensory coherence, where every detail contributes to the overall experience.

The three-Michelin-starred restaurant anchors the Le Clos des Sens experience, pioneering 100% locavore cuisine sourced within 100 kilometers. The 1,500-square-meter permaculture garden, tended by expert gardener Lionel, supplies vegetables and herbs for innovative dishes like raw fera with fermented garum and aged pike grilled like red meat. The exclusively local wine program features regional vintages, while unique food and jus pairings replace traditional wine pairings with vegetable stocks and herbal teas. Century-old chestnut trees shade the expansive terrace, while the swimming pool and living wicker gazebo provide peaceful retreats. Sustainability practices including intelligent waste recycling and rainwater reuse demonstrate the property's environmental commitment.

For discerning travelers seeking the best luxury hotels in Annecy le Vieux, Le Clos des Sens offers an unparalleled fusion of gastronomic excellence and alpine serenity. Book during spring through autumn for optimal garden experiences, with superior rooms providing the perfect introduction to this sensory sanctuary. Through En Primeur Club, guests enjoy exclusive access to chef's table experiences and private garden tours.