30 Mar 2020
France and the UK are currently in locked down, but we have to try to stay hopeful and focus on the future.
The Savoie Mont Blanc region, which covers two thirds of the French Alps, is a perfect summer destination for a short – or longer – break, easily accessible by train, car or plane. The area is famous for its mountains and ski resorts, but it also has 4 beautiful natural lakes: Annecy. Bourget. Aiguebelette and Geneva (French side).
Several beautiful new hotels and guest houses are opening soon by those lakes and in the mountains.
New hotels
L'Incomparable
Overlooking Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, l'Incomparable is a historic building that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. It boasts 11 rooms and four suites, a wellness area with a pool, a Jacuzzi, a steam room and treatment rooms. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and tennis courts. The L'Incomparable restaurant opens for lunch and dinner and has a beautiful terrace with stunning views over the lake. L'Incomparable is part of the Lodge & Spa Mountain group, which also includes the Koh-I-Nor in Val Thorens and the Taj-I-Mal in Les Arcs. Prices for a double room for two with breakfast start at €230.
https://hotel-lincomparable.com/
Chateau Brachet
Between Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy, in the village of Grésy-sur-Aix, Chateau Brachet is a grand house that has been transformed into an eco-friendly hotel. In the 19th century, this beautiful building was owned by Doctor Brachet, who was known as 'the doctor of the Kings'. Each of the hotel's 15 bedrooms features a famous person from the 19th century who has stayed in the Chateau, such as Queen Victoria and the King of Greece. Surrounded by a park of five hectares, the hotel has an outdoor pool, a small golf area, a spa and a gastronomic restaurant.
https://www.chateaubrachet.com/
Le Mouton Bleu
Le Mouton Bleu is a new four-star hotel with a chic but relaxed atmosphere, situated in the picturesque village of Talloires-Montmin, on the shore of Lake Annecy. It has 15 bedrooms, all with views of the lake, as well as a spa, a pool and an honesty bar. All rooms are with breakfast (or brunch at the weekend).
Plan B
Plan B is a new hotel in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, located very close to the Aiguille du Midi cable car. It has 35 bedrooms, 7 suites, 7 apartments and a dorm for up to 10 people. Plan B is a fun and affordable place to stay, with a large bar, a brasserie, a shop, a spacious lounge, bowling lanes and a children's play area. Prices for a double room start at €77. Continental breakfast costs €14 per person.
https://www.planb-chamonix.com/en/
New guest houses
Le Chateau de Saint-Genix
Located near Lake Aiguebelette, Chateau de Saint-Genix is a superb grand house from 1897. Its four bedrooms have been renovated in a baroque chic style, mixing old and modern. The chateau has a large and beautiful garden.
Les O d'Annecy
The new owners of this beautiful grand house in Saint-Jorioz, above Lake Annecy, have completely refurnished it and have also erected a second building. Les O d'Annecy has five spacious bedrooms (four double and a family suite), all with views of the lake, as well as a spa with a Jacuzzi, a sauna, an indoor swimming pool and a relaxing lounge suspended in the trees.
Un R de Mémise
In Thollon-Les-Mémises, a small resort above Lake Geneva, an old farm has been renovated to create a gîte for six people, complete with a wine bar (cave a vin). Un R de Mémise has contemporary decor in an authentic setting. It costs between €400 and €800 for a week.
Les Pipistrelles
Les Pipistrelles is an old farm that has been transformed into a charming guest house in the village of St Béron, near Lake Aiguebelette. There are four bedrooms and it costs €70 per night with breakfast.
