Two Stars above the Lake

Perched at 1,147 metres, nestled within mountain pastures and overlooking Lake Annecy, the Auberge de Montmin is far more than a restaurant: it is a true culinary atelier. Open since 4 July 2019, this intimate place bears the signature of a perfectly attuned duo: Florian in the kitchen and Sandrine in front of house.

Together for seventeen years, they have shaped here the dream they have shared since the very beginning; a place just like them, where their bond can be felt in every detail, every gesture and every plate.

A native of Annecy, Florian met Sandrine in Paris. After four years spent running establishments in London, the passionate couple chose to return to Talloires-Montmin in Haute-Savoie, the village where the chef's mother lives. There, they took over the small ski resort's former picnic room, a modest and charming town-owned building, and made it their home, then into a two Michelin star restaurant.

The name "Maison de Cuisine" reflects their original intention: "We like to welcome guests as we would friends, we want them to feel happy, cherished and pampered." Their desire is to offer a warm and honest atmosphere, far from the formal codes of traditional fine dining.

Florian's cooking is instinctive, generous and deeply rooted in locally-grown products; a cuisine that evolves with the seasons. The single set menu, priced at €300 per person and available by reservation only, changes according to mountain foraging, Savoyard vegetables, flavourful meats, lake fish and local produce sourced largely from regional artisans. The chef is committed to a zero-waste approach, taking "only what we need to avoid any waste."

In summer, the panoramic terrace opens onto flower-filled meadows, where Sandrine picks flowers to adorn the tables while Florian heads out at dawn to gather aromatic herbs. In winter, the house transforms into a cosy retreat: slow-cooked dishes, heart-warming sauces, root vegetables and cheese mingle with the warm aroma of a crackling fire. The Auberge de Montmin is, indeed, a place to be experienced throughout all four seasons.

Beyond their day-to-day complementarity, their shared outlook speaks to a profound mutual respect. Sandrine describes Florian as a "creative genius", driven by a quest for perfection and a poetic sensitivity. Florian, in turn, sees Sandrine as "the soul of the house", a naturally caring hostess who does not merely explain the dishes, "she tells their story".

Their commitment to being eco-friendly is anything but anecdotal: the auberge has been awarded a Michelin Green Star, a testament to their way of life and respect for nature.

Here, every service is an invitation to share, unwind and feel: "Let your senses guide you." Step through the doors of this high-altitude haven, where elegance meets simplicity; two passionate souls welcome you into their home.

1983 route de Talloires, Col de la Forclaz, Talloires-Montmin

04 50 63 85 40 - aubergedemontmin.com