An Audemars Piguet hotel designed by Bjarke Ingels Group in the heart of the Vallée de Joux: Hôtel des Horlogers brings watchmaking, architecture and a remarkable landscape together.
For generations, time has been measured with particular care in the Vallée de Joux. Audemars Piguet was founded in Le Brassus in 1875, and today the watchmaker also owns a hotel here. At first, that may seem an unexpected venture for a watch brand. At Hôtel des Horlogers, it feels entirely natural. An eye for proportion, materials and the smallest details can shape a place to stay just as surely as it can shape a timepiece.
A hotel rooted in its surroundings
The hotel’s story reaches back to 1857, when it was known as Hôtel de France. Audemars Piguet acquired it in 2003 and gave it its present name. The building that stands here now carries that history forward without turning watchmaking into a literal design theme.
Bjarke Ingels Group designed a series of staggered forms descending towards the valley. Created with Swiss architecture practice CCHE, the hotel has 50 rooms and suites looking towards the Risoud forest. Inside, AU*M drew on the shapes and materials of the surrounding landscape. The planning is exacting, yet the experience feels wonderfully easy: your gaze moves through the room and out towards the trees.
SMART DEAL
Hotel des Horlogers
€ 299,–
This voucher is valid for 1 night (2 guests) incl. breakfast in all room/suite types
The valley holds the real treasures
As striking as the hotel is, its greatest attraction lies outside. Lac de Joux, the Risoud forest and the ridges of the Vaud Jura give the valley a different character with every season. Walk beside the water, head into the woods or visit the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet to discover how deeply watchmaking belongs to this place.
Back at the hotel, local ingredients continue the story on the plate. Emmanuel Renaut is behind the culinary concept, with Alessandro Cannata leading the kitchen on site. Later, there is the Alpeor spa, with its sauna and hammam. Or perhaps the best plan is to stay by the window and watch the light change over the forest.
That may be the loveliest link between Audemars Piguet and this hotel: here, precision does not mean accounting for every minute. It helps create a place where you are happy to let a few pass.
