Le Saint Vincent

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.

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

In the heart of Chambéry, this establishment is a hit courtesy of its leafy terrace, shaded by a fig tree that is a genuine haven of peace and quiet in the city centre. The chef with stints at Lasserre and Rech under his belt orchestrates a modern, indulgent Mediterranean score, dotted with Middle Eastern accents: refreshing ceviche of greater amberjack dotted with citrus fruit and raspberries; plancha seared giant prawns, jalapenos sauce and lemon-scented Lebanese tabouleh. Gracious, warm welcome, cheerful service and vibrant dishes packed in globetrotting appeal.

In a pretty spot on one of the city's central squares, this building is the stomping ground of a chef who revisits classics from French tradition with passion and precision: boiled egg, fricassee of chanterelles and parsley emulsion; chuck of beef cooked at a low temperature, potato galette and truffle jus; hot soufflé with Grand Marnier – quality ingredients go into these delicious and carefully executed dishes.

Facing the lake that was so dear to French author Lamartine, this restaurant has been setting the standard in the region since 1964. Valentin Marin anchors his cooking in this mountain and lake terrain, preparing lake fish with a particular sense of precision: Arctic char with celery and beurre blanc with pike eggs; Savoie lamb with artichoke flowers; strawberry croustillant with tarragon. The elegant contemporary decor and attentive service guarantee a romantic atmosphere.

In a heritage edifice in the heart of historic Chambéry, next-door to the Château des Ducs de Savoie, this establishment occupies the courtyard of what is now a luxury hotel. In a suitably classy setting, the chef crafts a “carte blanche” menu inspired by the seasons and travel, together with a simpler lunchtime score. Depending on your mood, choose from the sun-drenched terrace shaded by stylish white parasols or an immersive experience overlooking the kitchen.

By a winding road through the Bauges mountains, this establishment is the epitome of a country village inn whose recently refurbished wood-rich chic interior pays tribute to the surrounding countryside. Romain Bonnier works with local produce and a veggie-centric ethos, without forgetting meat and fish from the lake. His delicate mousse of catfish with spinach and his fragrant tartlet of crunchy white asparagus are packed with flavour, while his Chartreuse lamb cooked several ways is in a class of its own. Sweeping views over the Chambéry valley and surprise menus that invite the diner to “let