13, Rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy
Perched on the heights of Annecy-le-Vieux, in a peaceful and charming neighborhood, Le Clos des Sens invites you to experience something rare, where every moment takes the shape of a delicate ritual. This former school built in 1866, now reimagined as a contemporary house of hospitality, retains subtle traces of its history while asserting a personality deeply rooted in its time.
From the moment you arrive, the refined simplicity of the building captivates with its balance of rusticity and elegance. The roof, adorned with scale-like tiles and patinated zinc, echoes the bell of the old school, while the massive sculpted wooden door opens to a home with clean lines, resolutely focused on the essentials. The crystalline marble of the blue Savoy stones, omnipresent in the design, creates a sensory continuity between the spaces.
The atmosphere unfolds softly as you discover the eleven rooms and suites, each unique, designed as cocoons where natural materials express their raw beauty. Wood reigns supreme: exposed beams, warm parquet floors, custom woodwork... Every detail seems to tell a story, elevated by a contemporary and understated decor. Some rooms open onto a balcony or terrace with views of the lake or mountains, and all offer delicate comforts, where the fireplace, whirlpool bathtub, or locally crafted furniture contribute to an intimate sense of well-being.
The common areas extend this harmony between design and simplicity. The lounge with its clean lines, the breakfast room where vegetal sculptures mingle with natural light, and the terrace under the large chestnut trees create a symphony of living spaces. Here, you can savor a moment of calm, a tea, a book, or simply the silence of a garden.
The garden, in fact, is a world unto itself. It is not visited; it is traversed, listened to, and breathed in. On nearly 1,500 m², over two hundred varieties of herbs, edible flowers, and vegetables create a living tableau in constant evolution. The permaculture vegetable garden, the path of melliferous plants bordered by lilacs and currants, the hammocks hanging in the shade of acacias—all invite you to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature.
At the heart of this landscape, a 21-meter swimming pool, heated from spring to autumn, extends the feeling of letting go. Nearby, a Nordic bath is nestled among wild grasses. Far from classic wellness norms, these outdoor spaces offer a form of instinctive relaxation, directly connected to the environment.
The experience takes on a special dimension when paired with dining. With three stars in the Michelin Guide, a green star, and three Ecotable macarons, the restaurant at Le Clos des Sens doesn’t merely exist in the guides. It embodies a unique culinary philosophy, led by Chef Franck Derouet and his partner Thomas Lorival. Together, they pursue a committed endeavor, respectful of life and the seasons.
Here, everything comes from the local area. Fish are sourced from nearby lakes, plants from the garden or producers located less than a hundred kilometers away. Cooking techniques explore fire, slowness, and mastered simplicity. Each plate reads like a vegetal poem, where Arctic char meets shiso leaves, and Savoy mushrooms are elevated in a meticulously crafted presentation.
The restaurant’s dining room, clad in raw wood and natural textures, extends this dialogue between earth and elegance. Soft lighting reveals shapes, the central fireplace provides a gentle presence, and the blue stone counter, connecting the dining room to the open kitchen, embodies the transparency of the approach. In fine weather, meals are served on the terrace, overlooking the lake, under the soft canopy of foliage.
Breakfasts also reflect this sincere approach. Presented as a tasting menu, they highlight local products with creativity: smoked Arctic char, Savoy biscuit, Beaufort croque, or double cream caramel provide a gourmet awakening, served in a soothing setting.
Throughout every space, service, and gesture, the hotel exudes a form of refined humility. Nothing is ostentatious; everything is designed to offer a setting of freedom, where everyone can create their own rhythm, their own pause.
Guests seeking intimacy will find here a confidential, preserved place, ideal for reconnecting with oneself or with another. Families will also find suitable configurations without ever compromising the tranquility of the setting. Gastronomy or architecture enthusiasts, meanwhile, immerse themselves in a coherent, rich universe, nourished by history and contemporary demands.
From Le Clos des Sens, walks in Annecy offer varied perspectives. You can wander through the cobblestone streets of the old town, admire the flower-lined canals, and discover the arcaded houses. The lake, with its crystalline waters, invites you for a boat ride, a summer swim, or a paddleboard excursion. A little further, the shores of Lake Bourget or Lake Geneva open up to exploration.
Art lovers can visit Annecy Castle, the exhibitions at the Palais de l’Île, or local galleries. Nature enthusiasts will prefer exploring the trails of Semnoz or the Bauges Regional Natural Park, accessible in less than an hour, for a hike among viewpoints and alpine pastures.
Pleasures abound on the culinary side as well. Several Michelin-starred or bistronomic restaurants in the area are worth a stop, as are the Haute-Savoie wine cellars where you can taste local vintages. If you enjoy rare experiences, consider booking a private visit with a cheesemaker or a guided tasting on a boat at sunset.
Beyond the address, Le Clos des Sens is an invitation to live. To savor time. To rediscover, precisely, the essence of what matters. You come for a night; you leave with a sensitive imprint.
General
Services
Dining
Pool and wellness area
Shared spaces
Miscellaneous
2-star Hotel
Just minutes from Annecy's old town, Centre Jean XXIII provides a tranquil setting with views of the lake and mountains, perfect for relaxation. Surrounded by a two-hectare wooded park, it features functional rooms, local cuisine, and spaces suited for various stays and events.
From 55 EUR per night
3-star Hotel
Just five minutes from Lake Annecy, enjoy a peaceful setting in a welcoming three-star hotel. Comfortable rooms, a friendly restaurant, and services tailored for families, professionals, and groups. The attentive team ensures your comfort, all close to attractions in a calm and inviting atmosphere.
From 75 EUR per night
3-star Hotel
Just steps from Lake Annecy, in a peaceful and elegant setting, enjoy air-conditioned rooms with refined design, a welcoming restaurant, and a sunny terrace. Private parking, proximity to the city center, and tranquil surroundings make this hotel a perfect retreat for relaxation or work in complete serenity.
From 99 EUR per night
4-star Hotel
Located opposite the tranquil waters of Lake Annecy, Rivage Hôtel & Spa blends contemporary elegance with natural serenity. Bright rooms, a restaurant by Juan Arbelaez, a 1,000 m² NUXE spa, and proximity to the old town make this establishment a refined retreat for relaxation, gastronomy, and cultural discoveries.
3-star Hotel
Just steps from Lake Annecy, Hôtel Les Muses blends tranquility and convenience. Set in a green residential area, it offers comfortable rooms, some with lake or mountain views, breakfast on the terrace, and direct access to a brasserie, ensuring a pleasant stay with effortless charm.
2-star Hotel
In Annecy, this family-run two-star hotel combines simplicity and warmth. Located just minutes from the lake and historic center, it offers comfortable rooms, a welcoming restaurant serving local flavors, and easy access to public transport. A tranquil spot, perfect for exploring the region or unwinding in peace.
From 89 EUR per night