Hôtel des Horlogers: Time Belongs to the Vallée de Joux
A hotel by Audemars Piguet, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, in the heart of the Vallée de Joux: at Hôtel des Horlogers, watchmaking, architecture and a landscape you would almost like to keep to yourself like a precious jewel come together.
In the Vallée de Joux, time has been measured with particular precision for generations. Audemars Piguet was founded in Le Brassus in 1875. Today, the manufacture also owns a hotel here. At first, this may sound like an unusual extension for a watch brand. At Hôtel des Horlogers, however, it feels surprisingly natural: those who pay such close attention to proportions, materials and the smallest details can translate the same approach into spaces.
A Hotel with a Sense of Its Origins
The history of the hotel dates back to 1857. Back then, it was called Hôtel de France; in 2003, Audemars Piguet took over the property and gave it its current name. The new building constructed later continues this story without turning the building into a hotel-sized watch.
Bjarke Ingels Group designed an architecture that descends towards the valley in staggered lines. Together with the Swiss firm CCHE, they created a hotel whose 50 rooms and suites overlook the Risoud forest. Inside, the design by AU*M incorporates forms and materials from the surrounding landscape. What has been precisely planned feels effortless upon arrival: the eye travels through the space and out into the landscape.
The Valley Is the Real Jewel Box
As beautiful as the hotel is, its greatest treasure lies just outside the door. Lac de Joux, the forests of Risoud and the peaks of the Vaud Jura give the valley a different character with every season. You can walk along the water, venture deeper into the forest or visit the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet to discover just how closely this place is connected to watchmaking.
Back at the hotel, the focus on the region continues at the table. The kitchen works with products from the valley; Emmanuel Renaut is responsible for the culinary concept, while the on-site kitchen team is led by Alessandro Cannata. Afterwards, the Spa by Alpeor with its sauna and hammam may be calling. Or perhaps you simply stay by the window and watch the light change over the forest.
Because this is where the most beautiful connection between Audemars Piguet and the hotel can be found: precision is not about planning every minute. It creates a place where you are happy to simply let time pass.
Time for Hôtel des Horlogers
For those who would like to experience Hôtel des Horlogers for themselves, Lifestylehotels™ currently offers a special
SMART DEAL:
one night for two people, including breakfast in any room or suite, for €299.
Perhaps it is the perfect opportunity not simply to pass through the Vallée de Joux, but to take a little more time to experience it.
Hôtel des Horlogers is a member of Lifestylehotels™
