Hôtellerie des Laquets, in the French Pyrenees, has reopened after being closed for more than 30 years. The renovated hotel welcomed guests again in late September. At about 2,620 meters above sea level, it is now the highest hotel in France. It offers 16 double rooms, each with a wide view of the surrounding mountains.
Getting there involves two cable car rides. Guests first travel from La Mongie to the summit of Pic du Midi. They then take a private cable car down to the hotel, which sits below the summit. The mountain views are therefore part of both the journey and the stay.
The hotel lies within the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, an area with skies protected from artificial light. This location allows guests to look at the stars and see the Milky Way without light pollution blocking the view. A spa, a place for relaxation, is scheduled to open at the hotel in December. It will include a sauna and steam rooms.
