For the epicurean captivated by the harmony of lake and mountain, Le Clos des Sens offers a three Michelin-starred retreat in Annecy-le-Vieux—a sanctuary where Chef Laurent Petit’s Savoyard soul transforms alpine terroir into a symphony of purity and innovation. Nestled near the shores of Lake Annecy, this Relais & Châteaux gem redefines luxury through its serene lakeside setting, forest-to-table ethos, and a menu that marries rustic tradition with avant-garde finesse.

The Vibe Check


Le Clos des Sens thrums with the tranquil energy of the French Alps—refined, intimate, and steeped in natural beauty.


  • Atmosphere: A timber-and-stone chalet with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the snow-capped Aravis range. Inside, warm wood tones, sheepskin throws, and handcrafted ceramics evoke a modern alpine lodge. The open kitchen glows with focused energy, where chefs plate dishes beside foraged herbs and freshly caught fish.
  • Dress Code: “Alpine chic”—tailored wool blazers, silk-blend dresses, shoes that’ve wandered Annecy’s cobblestone streets. Jackets recommended for evening service.
  • Soundtrack: The rustle of wild herbs being trimmed, the clink of Savoie wine glasses, and servers narrating each dish’s journey: “This perch swam in the lake just hours ago.”


This is where Chef Petit—a Savoie native and disciple of Marc Veyrat—bridges his deep-rooted connection to the Alps with Michelin-starred brilliance.

A Legacy Forged in Rebellion


Awarded three Michelin stars in 2019, Le Clos des Sens embodies Petit’s philosophy: “Nature is my co-chef.” Ingredients are hyper-local: perch and féra from Lake Annecy, Reblochon from Thônes dairies, and herbs foraged from nearby forests. Dishes like hay-smoked trout with juniper berries and blueberry-glazed venison showcase his mastery of balancing earthy depth with delicate technique.


Key to the ethos: Zero-kilometer rigor. The restaurant’s garden supplies heirloom vegetables, while partnerships with Alpine foragers ensure wild mushrooms, lichens, and berries. The 2024 menu introduced “Lac et Montagne,” a course pairing lake fish with mountain herbs, smoked over pinewood embers.

The Culinary Sonnet: 10 Courses of Alpine Poetry


Signature Acts


  • Perche du Lac en Deux Services: Lake perch two ways—tartare with lemon balm, and seared with beurre blanc infused with Alpine gentian.
  • Féra Rôtie aux Herbes Sauvages: Roasted lake fish with wild thyme, wood sorrel, and a foamy broth of its own bones.
  • Lièvre à la Royale en Croûte: Royal hare wrapped in chestnut-leaf pastry, served with blackcurrant jus and celeriac purée.
  • Gâteau de Savoie Réinventé: A deconstructed sponge cake with génépi-infused cream and bilberry sorbet.


Menu


  • Le Grand Menu (€380): 10 courses, including autumn game with juniper and spring morels with green garlic velouté.
  • Végétal (€380): Plant-based highlights like beetroot smoked over pine needles and hay-roasted salsify.


Wine Pairings


  • Découverte (€150): Local Jacquère whites, Mondeuse noires, and artisanal génépi liqueurs.
  • Prestige (€350): Rare Burgundies, vintage Champagnes, and aged Swiss Pinot Noirs.

Practical Intel


  • Reservations: Secure via Tock 90 days ahead. Summer and winter (ski season) book fastest.
  • Dress: “Mountain elegance”—avoid jeans; embrace layered sophistication for chilly evenings.
  • Find: 13 Rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux. A 10-minute drive from Annecy’s old town, with valet parking.

Pro Tips


  • Pre-Dinner Walk: Stroll Lake Annecy’s promenade, where swans glide past pastel-painted villages.
  • Post-Meal: Sip a génépi digestif by the fireplace or book a suite at the Relais & Châteaux hotel.
  • Souvenir: Grab a jar of house-smoked Alpine salt or Petit’s cookbook, Cuisine de Montagne.

Why It Resonates


  • For the Purist: Menus adhere to Savoie’s seasons—white asparagus in spring, truffles in winter.
  • For the Adventurer: Dishes like lichen butter and spruce tip sorbet redefine mountain cuisine.
  • For the Romantic: Propose on the terrace at sunset, where the lake mirrors the pink-hued Alps.

Le Clos des Sens isn’t a meal—it’s an alpine sonnet. A place where Lake Annecy’s serenity meets Chef Petit’s knife, where each bite carries the crispness of mountain air, and where three Michelin stars shine as brightly as the Savoie sun. For those who crave cuisine rooted in earth and elevated by artistry, this lakeside haven is where the Alps’ soul finds its plate.