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Inside Hotel des Horlogers: Where avant-garde design meets mindfulness in the heartland of Swiss watchmaking

Located in the scenic Vallée de Joux region, enveloped by the lush forests and tranquil lakes of the Jura Mountains, Hotel des Horlogers is a contemporary sanctuary in the heartland of Swiss watchmaking. Here, time stands still, with a picturesque setting that inspires guests to savor the present, connect with nature and immerse themselves in a world where watchmaking and hospitality unite. With 50 stylish rooms and suites, a sophisticated restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, a modern wellness area and endless natural beauty, you’ll find yourself inspired and enveloped in a sense of unparalleled relaxation.

Exterior © Audemars Piguet

What’s the story?

Originally opened in 1857 as “Hotel de France” in the historical town of Les Brassus, the hotel established itself during the booming era of Swiss watchmaking, a time when artisans from far and wide flocked to this horological hub to craft and transport their precious timepieces. Fast forward to 2003, when the renowned watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet decided to venture into hospitality, taking over the property and aptly renaming it ‘Hotel des Horlogers,’ in a fitting tribute to the valley’s watchmaking legacy. Today, standing as a testament to both the past and the future, the hotel intertwines the region’s watchmaking heritage with eco-responsibility and contemporary design, creating an exceptional stay that is sure to satisfy everyone from watch enthusiasts to nature lovers and foodies alike.

What about the design?

An architectural marvel born from the collaboration between CCHE and BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), a globally celebrated firm known for embracing cutting-edge designs and sustainable practices, Hôtel des Horlogers stands as a testament to precision and sheer innovation. Built in line with Switzerland’s Minergie-ECO certification standards, the hotel was purposefully conceived to fuse with the valley’s topography. It artfully weaves every aspect of the surrounding environment into its design, effortlessly blurring the boundaries between the building and nature itself. The hotel’s zig-zagging structure, inspired by local mountain ridges, seamlessly blends with the natural setting, offering a continuous path down to the ground floor framed by mesmerizing views of the vibrant meadows outside. Inside, the earthy decor imagined by AU*M, reflects the surrounding Risoud forest, with guests entering the lobby under a sculpture of dangling tree roots before approaching the reception desk shaped like a fossil adorned with large mushrooms. The interior passageway, following the atypical zigzagging structure, connects 50 stylish rooms varying in categories from the Valley Guest Room to the Signature Suite, all designed to exude a serene spirit with neutral tones, sleek materials and large floor-to-ceiling windows that let nature take center stage.

 
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Lobby (1) © elevatedliving, Room (2), Brasserie le Gogant (3) © Audemars Piguet

What about the restaurant?

Much like the intricate and precise movements of a timepiece, the sophisticated Brasserie Le Gogant at Hotel des Horlogers artfully crafts each dish to culinary perfection. Under the guidance of acclaimed French Chef Emmanuel Renaut, a true culinary virtuoso with 3 Michelin stars to his name, the restaurant offers a daily menu of local delights, using the region’s finest produce and ingredients to create an explosion of delectable flavors. Each and every dish here delivers on taste, texture and artistry, but some of our notable favorites include the local smoked Fera fish, served with a thyme potato mash, followed by the sweet Swiss rum baba to share. 

How about the spa?

In line with the hotel’s commitment to embracing  local brands and products, the spa is a contemporary cocoon offering exquisite wellness treatments by the renowned Swiss brand Alpeor, who were proudly founded in the heart of the Swiss Alps. With a hammam, sauna, stylish relaxation area, sensory showers, a gym and multiple treatment rooms offering signature face and body treatments, you’ll find it easy to relax here and leave with a renewed a sense of peace.

 

Spa by Alpeor © Audemars Piguet

Spa by Alpeor © Audemars Piguet

Anything else?

Beyond the hotel’s avant-garde walls, La Vallée de Joux offers a myriad of experiences throughout the seasons. Of course, watch enthusiasts will delight in the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet, an extraordinary museum housed within a stunning spiral building, where visitors can discover the historical and intricate timepieces that have made Audemars Piguet legendary. While there is something extra special about enjoying a hike in the nearby Risoud forests. Here, take a moment to enjoy nature’s beauty and savor the tranquility of life in a place where time gently slows down.

Hotel exterior © Audemars Piguet

Bar © elevatedliving

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