Hôtel Ombremont ★★★★

The majestic views from the Hotel Ombremont over the Lac du Bourget could inspire the poet in anyone. The hotel’s proprietor and chef Jean-Pierre Jacob is a poetry lover with a particular taste for the works of Arthur Rimbaud; his two-starred restaurant shares the name of Rimbaud’s most famous poem, Le Bateau Ivre.

Concealed behind a lush, verdant facade, the charming chateau dating from the 19th Century not only offers guests an extraordinary setting, surrounded by its tranquil wooded park and with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains providing a postcard-perfect backdrop, but a comfortable, intimate destination for an idyllic country retreat. The rooms are fairly simple, but that only serves to emphasize the picturesque panoramas from every window. Each has a unique colour scheme and is individually decorated – mine was a deep lake-blue – but all are equally comfortable. They are largely traditional in style, but every room offers free WiFi, satellite TV, and complimentary toiletries in the immaculate bathrooms.

From my small balcony, it is almost impossible to resist the call of the beautiful gardens below, and, wandering to the shore, I am fully seduced by the beautiful natural environment. To thaw slightly, I return to the very cosy hotel lounge, and curled up in one of the red armchairs; from here, I drank in the panoramic views and devoured Chef Jean-Pierre Jacob’s book of his most remarkable recipes whipped up in the kitchens of Le Bateau Ivre.

This served as an ideal amuse-bouche to prepare me for my evening meal at the in-house restaurant. Mixing tradition and innovation, Jean-Pierre Jacob infuses regional cuisine with Asian flavours or cooking techniques. Local produce is used throughout, with a particular emphasis on fresh fish from the lake outside. The decor is simple and refined, really allowing the beautifully-presented food and stunning views to take centre stage. Unsurprisingly, for a restaurant of this calibre, the service was excellent, with discreet, courteous staff.

Just a thirty-minute drive away is the delightful “Venice of France”, the commune of Annecy. This romantic city has been enchanting paramours for centuries. Stroll across the Pont des Amours, and do not miss the Imperial Palace and the spectacular baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. I enjoyed a casual walk down Rue Royale, reaching the fountain of Saint Jean laden with shopping bags and ready for a café au lait and some people-watching at a street-side restaurant.

Of course, if you choose to stay in the homely Hotel Ombremont during the winter season, there’s much more than just shopping and people-watching to enjoy during the days. Not far from the Savoie Grand Revard resort, spend a day on the slopes taking advantage of all the resort has to offer. From ordinary Alpine and Nordic skiing to more adventurous activities like luge runs and skijoring, where a person on skis is pulled by a horse or dog pack, this family-friendly resort offers something for everyone.

And, of course, after a long day on the slopes, there’s no warmer welcome than at the Hotel Ombremont. Whether you choose to soak in your deep bathtub and cosy up with a book in the privacy of your own room, or enjoy a nightcap and the panoramic views of the mountains lit by the sunset in the lounge, relaxing is effortless in this stunning home-from-home.

* We offer a gastronomic Menu Verlaine dinner, created by Chef Jean Pierre Jacob (menu subject to change depending on the products of the season)