The key facts

  • Hôtellerie des Laquets at ~2,620 m became France's highest hotel, surpassing Refuge de Solaise (2,551 m)
  • The hotel, built in 1930–1933, reopened after more than 30 years of closure; 16 rooms, a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Tournier
  • The hotel is located in the Pic du Midi dark sky reserve; a spa area will open in December

Opening After 30 Years of Closure

In the French Pyrenees, Hôtellerie des Laquets has reopened — the highest hotel in the country, located at an altitude of about 2,620 meters above sea level. The building was constructed between 1930 and 1933 and remained closed for more than 30 years; the renovated hotel welcomed its first guests at the end of September, Euronews reports.

Architecture and Rooms

The hotel's historic building has been preserved: its interiors reference Pyrenean alpine culture, while the new extension is designed in the spirit of Scandinavian minimalism. The hotel has 16 double rooms, each offering a panoramic view. The hotel can be reached by cable car from La Mongie to the summit of Pic du Midi, and then by a private cable car down to the hotel itself.

Restaurant and Altitude Record

The hotel's restaurant will feature a menu by chef Stéphane Tournier, who received a Michelin star at the Les Jardins de l'Opéra restaurant in Toulouse. With its opening, Hôtellerie des Laquets surpassed the alpine Refuge de Solaise (2,551 m) to become the highest hotel in France. According to Euronews, the highest hotel in Europe remains the Glacier Hotel Grawand in South Tyrol (Italy) at an altitude of 3,212 meters.

Starry Sky and Spa

The hotel is located within the Pic du Midi international dark sky reserve, making it an ideal spot for stargazing: the Milky Way is visible without light pollution. At the summit, the Espace Expériences du Pic du Midi center is open, dedicated to the scientific work of the observatory, along with a planetarium and a 12-meter observation deck jutting out over the mountain landscape. From December this year, a spa area with a sauna and steam baths will open at the hotel.

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