La Source

From Lamartine to Stendhal and Maupassant, many a French author has waxed lyrical about the atmosphere of Lac du Bourget and the view over Mt Revard. For his part, Chef Alain Perrillat-Mercerot has made the lake and mountains the splendid backdrop against which he serves his delicate, creative cuisine that fervently champions the Savoie terroir. Classically trained, his high-precision preparation of freshwater fish, local cheeses and wild blueberries is second to none – choose between two carefully composed single-choice set menus. The fantastic wine list fetes local grape varieties (among oth

This knockout location overlooking Bourget Lake provides the perfect foil to spot-on, polished cuisine rich in gutsy flavours with a penchant for local country produce: cottage garden veg, trout, fera, farm-reared veal… Dishes that pack a punch and which showcase a savvy mix of contrasting textures. The view from the terrace over the lake and Mont du Chat is out of this world.

Michaël Arnoult has transformed Auberge des Morainières into a charming, intimate restaurant with minimalist decor overlooking the undulating vineyards and the Rhône Valley. His modus operandi revolves around fresh ingredients and respect for those who cultivated them, so choosing local producers, getting to know them and working alongside them is a priority… and that is evident in the food, from game, asparagus, suckling lamb to trout or whitefish. To cite one iconic dish: the jellied crayfish tartare served with a foamy mandarin and marigold butter and paired with cooked crayfish is elevated

This is the town-centre spot that everyone in Aix is talking about! The first venture of this young couple, the restaurant is an appealing modern space with an open kitchen. The chef conjures up neat contemporary dishes that are full of flavour, highlighting primarily local seasonal produce. He enjoys interacting with guests, especially when it comes to recommending the Savoie wines about which he is so passionate. A family atmosphere prevails here.

In the heart of Aix-les-Bains, this buzzy eatery is a hit for its well-crafted culinary lineup and the warm welcoming interior which mingles bare stone and fashionable splashes of colour. Seasonal ingredients are savvily showcased courtesy of textbook talent and painstaking care: crispy asparagus coated in a silky hollandaise sauce, delicately seared brook trout followed by roast pineapple laced with spicy notes. Ticks all the boxes for discerning foodies.

This friendly bistronomy restaurant is part of a small hotel in the upper reaches of the town centre. Behind a façade still reminiscent of Aix-les-Bains's heyday as a spa resort, this stylish eatery, complete with a wine bar, has lost none of its period cachet. It is run by a vital chef who often puts in an appearance on the restaurant floor. His down-to-earth bistro-style cuisine with a twist uses seasonal and sometimes premium produce (Angus beef, Corsican meagre etc). Attentive service. The enclosed tree-lined terrace to the rear is charming.

In the Château de la Mar, a magnificent 13C castle surrounded by vineyards, Michaël Arnoult has opened a unique establishment below his restaurant Les Morainières. The decor is minimalist, with wooden tables set against exposed stone, and a large table d'hôte stands between the barrels in the cellar. At lunchtime, there is a set menu, which changes every week, and a short à la carte menu showcasing the chef's talents: lake fish, mushrooms, herbs and on-point jus. Generous dishes include Angus steak and chips, pork chop and polenta, 10hr confit veal shank, and Savoie trout.