Hôtel des Horlogers, which literally translates to the hotel of watchmakers, is a tribute to the surrounding landscape and a meeting point for local and international watchmaking, architecture and nature lovers.
Inspired by the Vallé de Joux, one of the cradles of Swiss watchmaking, Hôtel des Horlogers opened its doors in the village of Le Brassus, where its predecessor, the Hôtel de France, settled in 1857. It is thoughtfully designed by global architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and realised by the Swiss architecture office CCHE, two partners who also signed the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet situated a few steps away.
Departing from the usual codes of hotel architecture, Hôtel des Horlogers’ zigzagging architecture descends towards the surrounding meadows and seamlessly integrates into the Vallée de Joux’s pastoral landscape. Inside, the simple lines and refined language of the contemporary lobby contrast with the more sinuous and rustic architectural elements that visitors can admire.
The superior boutique hotel takes on a holistic and sustainable approach and is echoed from the building development to its day-to-day operations to reduce its environmental impact.
The Stay
Having been inspired by the beauty of the Risoud Forest, which borders the valley, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels conceived the hotel so that all the rooms would offer a breathtaking view of the region. Made of local materials such as stone and wood, the interior design imagined by AUM invites guests to take their time and connect with the surrounding environment. The 50 rooms, varying from the Valley Guest Room to the Signature Suite, expertly blend quality, comfort and conviviality.
The Dining
Le Gogant restaurant presents a refined local cuisine by French three-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Renaut that relies on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients for a unique exploration of the senses.
The Hero Experience
As part of the hotel’s watchmaking packages, guests can explore Audemars Piguet’s savoir-faire during a guided tour of the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet. Located a few steps away from the hotel, the ultra-contemporary pavilion displays Audemars Piguet’s rich cultural heritage with a display of 300 timepieces spanning over 150 years of history.
Other guided tours for nearby prestigious horological landmarks such as the Espace Horloger, Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture or the AstroVal observatory are available in these packages.
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Images: CCHE
