Le Pré du Lac

Le Pré du Lac Overview

You know what? Le Pré du Lac is one of those places that doesn’t fit neatly into any category, and honestly, that’s exactly why I keep thinking about it. Tucked away on this quiet impasse des champs fleuris in Saint-Jorioz, it feels like someone’s well-designed secret rather than a traditional hotel. The lack of an official star rating actually makes sense here – it’s doing its own thing, somewhere between a boutique guesthouse and an art project. The 7.2 rating might seem modest, but I think that’s because people come expecting something more conventional and find themselves in this wonderfully odd little world instead.

The location is pretty brilliant if you know the area. Saint-Jorioz sits on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, and while everyone rushes to Annecy town center (which, don’t get me wrong, is gorgeous), you’re positioned where the locals actually live and breathe. You can walk down to the lake in about ten minutes – there’s this lovely stretch of shoreline that’s way less crowded than the main beaches. The hotel itself has this intimate, almost residential feel; I mean, you’re literally on a dead-end street surrounded by fields and local houses. Parking was surprisingly easy, which anyone who’s driven around Annecy in summer will appreciate. The mornings are incredibly quiet except for the occasional church bells from the village center, and you get these amazing views of the mountains across the lake when the mist lifts.

What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail without all the fuss. The design feels thoughtful – not Instagram-perfect, but genuinely comfortable in a way that makes you want to settle in for a few extra days. The owners (I’m pretty sure they live on-site) seem to actually care about creating something special rather than just filling rooms. Sure, it’s not for everyone – if you need a concierge and room service, look elsewhere. But if you want to experience this corner of the French Alps like you’re staying with a design-savvy friend who happens to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, it’s pretty perfect. The fact that it’s a fifteen-minute drive to Annecy’s old town but feels completely removed from the tourist chaos is honestly the sweet spot for me.