Photos: France’s highest hotel reopens after 30 years

France’s highest hotel, located just below the Pic du Midi (Hautes-Pyrénées) at 2,620m, has reopened after being closed for 30 years. 

The Hôtellerie des Laquets was originally built between 1930 and 1933, and reopened its doors to guests in late September following three years of renovation works and the addition of an extension. 

The site, which is currently undergoing a four-star classification process, can welcome up to 34 guests, with 16 rooms on a half-board basis.

A bar and restaurant with menus by Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Tournié is open to guests, with panoramic terraces allowing diners to admire the sunrise and sunset over the Pyrenees mountain range. Hikers and members of the public will be able to access the bar and daytime snack service during summer months. 

The hotel is also located in an International Dark Sky Reserve - great for stargazing - and offers guests a private two-way cable car directly to the Pic du Midi in both winter and summer. Note that the Pic du Midi closes for maintenance in May and November.

Prices start from €599 for a double room, which also includes the cable car ride, access to the visitor areas at the Pic du Midi, a bistronomic dinner for two, and breakfast.

‘Rustic chic’ design

Hôtellerie des Laquets is made up of 16 rooms - each with mountain views - including one premium suite that sleeps two adults and two children. There are also 15 double rooms, with one being accessible for guests with reduced mobility.

The site’s original wing features design choices inspired by Pyrenean culture and, with a rustic chic feel. 

The new wing favours a Nordic-inspired design, with a minimalist aesthetic that draws attention towards the outdoors and the beautiful views.

The hotel also holds an EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence, and silver medal from Bâtiment Durable Occitanie.

From December this year, the hotel will open a sauna and hammam in their dedicated spa area, at an extra cost. 

Possible World Heritage status

This project comes as part of the process to have the Pic du Midi and its observatory listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Standing at 2,877m, the Pic du Midi has hosted an accessible, working observatory for more than a century and is regarded as one of France’s most important mountain science platforms. 

It is used for astronomical observation, climate research and public education, while also welcoming visitors. 

If successful, the listing would add the Pic du Midi to France’s growing number of Unesco World Heritage locations, including the Canal du Midi and the Fortifications of Vauban.