France's Highest Hotel Opens

The Hôtellerie des Laquets, located in the French Pyrenees at 2,620 meters above sea level, has opened as the highest hotel in France. The hotel boasts 16 double rooms, each offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hotel was originally built between 1930 and 1933 but had been closed for more than 30 years before reopening in late September. The renovated property features a restaurant with a menu designed by chef Stéphane Tournié, who earned a Michelin star at Les Jardins de l'Opéra in Toulouse.

The hotel is connected to Pic du Midi via a private cable car, allowing guests to easily access the summit and enjoy the stunning views. The Hôtellerie des Laquets is situated within the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal location for stargazing with unobstructed views of the Milky Way.

A spa area is set to open in December, featuring a sauna and steam rooms, further enhancing the hotel's amenities. The hotel's reopening overtakes Refuge de Solaise, located at 2,551 meters above sea level in the Alps, as the highest hotel in France.

## Why it matters The opening of the Hôtellerie des Laquets is significant not only for its stunning location but also for its potential to attract tourists and boost the local economy. The hotel's unique features, including its high altitude and dark sky reserve location, make it an attractive destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

The hotel's connection to Pic du Midi and its proximity to the Espace Expériences du Pic du Midi and the planetarium also make it an ideal location for those interested in science, astronomy, and nature. As the highest hotel in France, the Hôtellerie des Laquets is set to become a popular destination for travelers seeking a luxurious and unforgettable experience in the French Pyrenees.

## What happens next With its reopening, the Hôtellerie des Laquets is expected to become a major tourist destination in the French Pyrenees. The hotel's unique features, including its high altitude, stunning views, and luxurious amenities, are likely to attract visitors from around the world. As the hotel continues to develop and expand its offerings, it is likely to have a significant impact on the local economy and tourism industry.

It's worth noting that while the Hôtellerie des Laquets is the highest hotel in France, it is not the highest hotel in Europe. That title belongs to the Glacier Hotel Grawand, located at 3,212 meters above sea level in Val Senales, Italy. Nevertheless, the Hôtellerie des Laquets is a unique and exciting destination that is sure to attract visitors from around the world.