Le Clos Des Sens began in 1992 as the project of celebrity chef Laurent Petit and his wife Martine Coin. They transformed an 1866 manor estate into a stylish hotel & restaurant establishment, providing incredible meals and cozy lodgings for travelers visiting Annecy. Under the careful and industrious management of the couple, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2000 and a second one in 2009. The hotel also expanded as Laurent and Martine acquired neighboring properties, which added more space and guestrooms to the hotel. Chef Laurent then acquired his third Michelin Star in 2019, although that year he moved on to new projects and passed the ownership of the hotel to Franck Derouet and Thomas Lorival.

Under Derouet and Lorival's leadership, the hotel and restaurant maintained its stellar reputation while moving forward with innovations in both cuisine and hospitality. New menu items that showcase Annecy's bountiful waters and soil were added to the restaurant, while stylish makeovers to rooms and suites attract an increasing number of patrons returning for a holiday.

Design and Architecture

Aside from offering exceptional cuisine and serene accommodation, Le Clos Des Sens is strategically on an elevated area of Annecy, providing sweeping views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains. For aesthetics, the hotel blends rustic touches with contemporary styles and comforts. Traditional woodwork is used for the floors, walls, and ceilings, while deluxe fixtures such as hanging fireplaces and balcony-viewing baths make a moment of relaxation much more decadent. As Le Clos Des Sens is made up of different properties acquired over the years, the hotel can be playful with its themes and décor, using nooks as sleeping spaces, or creating private spaces in its overgrown gardens.

There are only 151 restaurants around the world that can boast having three Michelin Stars, and Le Clos Des Sens is one of them. That number narrows even further if you include those awarded the Michelin Green Star. These distinctions began with the previous owner, Chef Laurent Petit, who earned Le Clos Des Sens its first Michelin Star in 2000, its second in 2009, and was finally crowned with a third in 2019. The restaurant's continued excellence is thanks to Chef Franck Derouet, the culinary genius who leads Le Clos Des Sens alongside his business partner, the sommelier Thomas Lorival. Aside from its Michelin stars, the restaurant is also part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux, an association of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. 

Under Chef Derouet's leadership, the kitchen prepares sumptuous meals made with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, and daily catches from Lake Annecy. Holding tradition in one hand and innovation in the other, Le Clos Des Sens uses condiments such as Roman garum (a fermented fish sauce) to invent new dishes or rediscover the ones lost to time. The chefs also take care to ensure each new dish harmonizes with the flavors and notes of local wines, further promoting the specialties of Annecy and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Reservations are required can be made through their official website.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Surrounded by the Annecy Mountains and close to Lake Annecy, Le Clos Des Sens is a fantastic base to enjoy the great outdoors of France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The hills and forests are filled with hiking and biking trails, providing leisurely walks and challenging rides to adventurous guests. Likewise, nature lovers will also have plenty of opportunities to go wildlife watching and see native ibex, vultures, and eagles. Lake Annecy is a prime destination for wild swimming during the warm months, especially because the lake has plenty of beach areas and parks. There are also docks with boat rentals and watersports activities.

For your cultural immersion, Annecy and its neighboring communes have plenty of historic attractions and landmarks to visit. Visit the city's historic district to find colorful Medieval houses, including the Palais de l'Ile, which has been around since the 12th century. There's also the Musée-Château d'Annecy, a restored castle which houses a museum showcasing the region's treasures and artworks.

Other Celebrations

Birthday celebrants and couples on their anniversary can get in touch with the management and make plans regarding their special day.  While Le Clos Des Sens does not offer full private bookings, they may be able to provide personalized service if you inform them as you make your restaurant reservations.