Jun22596 10 | LUXlife Magazine Jean-Michel Belin discovered Château Brachet in 2008, and immediately fell in love with the building and its rich history. The house had been a significant hub for nobles and monarchs across Europe, who had been welcomed into the house with open arms by Doctor Léon and Nelly Brachet as they sought treatment from “the Doctor of Kings”. Once Jean-Michel owned the property, Château Brachet underwent major work, starting in 2011. The residence was then restored to its former glory with additional eco-renovations that modernise its operations without detracting from its historical beauty. Remodeling took place over the next decade, until Château Brachet and its gastronomic restaurant were ready to open in 2021. The building was restored by passionate craftsmen (mainly locals), who recognise the deep culture and history of the property. “The grounds, spanning six hectares, and buildings are deeply embedded into the local territory, and were very significant around the Belle Epoque, due to the personality of its owners,” Jean-Michel tells us. “However, nobody has lived in Château Brachet on a daily basis since 1933.” The hotel sees a diverse clientele, with its various offerings making its target threefold; Jean-Michel tells us that Château Brachet hopes to attract local patrons through its gastronomic restaurant, which has quickly become a destination on the weekends. He also aims to serve regional businesses seeking spaces for seminars and events, as well as individual business travellers. Finally, the hotel hopes to pull in a large international clientele for the leisure season, which runs through May to October. Château Brachet pays a unique attention to detail across its operations, to which, alongside its peaceful atmosphere, Jean-Michel Aug24472 Best Historic Hotel 2024 – South East France & Gastronomic Experience of the Year 2024 – South East France Nestled between the breathtaking lakes of Bourget and Annecy, Château Brachet is a stately family home located within the commune of Grésy-sur-Aix. Towards the end of the 19th century, Château Brachet was owned by Doctor Léon Brachet, a physician attached to the Thermal Establishment and first deputy mayor, a key figure of Aix-lesBains. Dubbed “the Doctor of Kings”, he actively participated in the development of the city and thermal baths, and welcomed a number of prestigious figures from around Europe into his home with the help of his wife, Nelly. Today, a dedicated team of staff strive to maintain the prominent level of hospitality for which Château Brachet has become renowned. Below, we speak with Jean-Michel Belin, Owner and Manager of the esteemed establishment, as it is named in the Hospitality Awards 2024. attributes the hotel’s stellar success. The hotel is made up of 15 suites and rooms, all of which evoke a specific theme or a distinguished guest who visited Léon and Nelly Brachet during the Belle Époque. Such themes include Queen Victoria, “Sissi” the Empress of Austria, King George 1st of Greece, and essential theatre actors Constant Coquelin and his brother Ernest, also known as “Pirouette”. “We emphasise the fact that our boutique hotel is deeply rooted into the local history, and each staff member knows how to explain it in great detail if needed,” says Jean-Michel. “Every check-in starts with a comprehensive tour including the history of the place, unless the guest prefers to postpone it to a later time.” Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted with an authentic, welcoming smile and a sincere attitude that matches the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere exuded by Château Brachet. The hotel’s team consists of authentic, genuinely kind employees who aim to make each stay unforgettable through an expert combination of exceptional customer service and unparalleled amenities. Offering a blend of leisure and recreation, Château Brachet allows its guests to do as much – or as little – as they wish for the duration of their stay. For those seeking utter relaxation on their retreat, Château Brachet offers a vast library that contains more than 3,000 historical works and a sleek wellness area to unwind in, alongside a fully equipped “Honesty Bar” to be found in the 1st floor library, next to the Piano. Guests who envision a more active vacation needn’t worry – Château Brachet offers a wide variety of sporting activities on its premises: From its fitness room located next to the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, to outdoor activities such as tennis, paddle tennis, croquet,
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