Abbaye de Talloires ★★★★

Driving to Annecy is a breath-taking voyage. The snowy peaks of the Alps climb high in the blue sky. Medieval church spires compete with nature in the creation of dramatic skylines. With areas dating back to the 10th century, there is some heavyweight heritage here. If you enjoy rustic charm, you'll be bowled over. Houses pained in pastel colours now contain bistros and delis with hand-made produce. The town is criss-crossed by crystal-clear canals, and the medieval edifices congregate around the centrepiece: the turquoise glacial lake. The 18th century philosopher Rousseau exclaimed upon seeing the lake: “Now I have been happy. Now I have lived.” Napoleon III uttered: “My God, it's beautiful.” We managed a slightly less poetic: “Wow.” The Abbaye de Talloires sits in a privileged position close to the translucent water's edge, and its environs are matched by the splendour inside.

The beautiful stone building has a dramatic backdrop of mountains and woodland. The established trees in the garden create a tranquil patio area between the lake and the hotel's entrance. Tables dressed in white linen stand under the dappled shade of the trees. However, this is an establishment that knows you can't just rely on the natural attributes of your hotel. The staff here work tirelessly to take service to the next level – it's the only hotel in France to have won the Hotel Customers Trophy Award for its quality of service twice.

We chose a room with a view over the abbey gardens. It was spacious and serene, with high ceilings and original features. The furniture was plush and antique with beautiful upholstery. There was a sofa seating area with large armchairs and a solid oak coffee table. The bathroom, tiled in tiny powder pink and blue arched tiles, was an unusual and beautiful design. It has two porcelain sinks and an elegant free-standing bath with shower head. Exposed stone and wooden features finished off a very special room. The paraben-free soaps and shampoos were luxurious and smelt delicious.  

After settling in we explored our surroundings. We had been told about the piano bar set in the centuries-old vaulted ceilings, and we were attracted there like moths to a flame. It was a sophisticated, cosy bar, but the clement weather called us outside to enjoy our cocktails and the sunset hour from the lakeside terrace. As day gave way to dusk, candles were lit and ambient lighting emerged, and we dined on outstanding French cuisine. It was a romantic and memorable experience.

We slept like babies in the tranquil surroundings, and woke refreshed and ready for a day exploring the lake and the towns in the surrounding area. First, though, it was time for a delicious breakfast and a visit to the hotel's very own art gallery, in its historic hall. We booked a wine tasting tour too, wanting to explore the renowned wine cellar in the stone vaults of the hotel. We had an absolutely delightful and dreamy time at the Abbaye de Talloires. For a gastronomic stay in an alpine fairy tale hotel by the lake, you need look no further.