Photo : @Adrian Ehrbar
The story goes that in 1901, a winegrower from Dardagny decided to build a small restaurant on the Place Longemalle in Geneva in order to sell his wines more easily. 79 years later, the unique soul of the building seduced Mr. Favre and his wife who saw the potential of the place. Together, they renovated the establishment in 1985, which became a popular meeting place for the inhabitants and visitors of the city of Calvin.
Located at the entrance to the Old Town of Geneva, a stone’s throw from Lake Geneva, the Hôtel de la Cigogne is ideally situated. Filled with charm, the historic residence contrasts with the bustle and excitement that reign in the city of Geneva every day. Its shaded terrace invites passers-by to take a break and enjoy a moment of relaxation and serenity, on a sunny afternoon or in the calm and privacy of a long summer evening.
Once the doors of the building dating from 1555 are pushed open, it is a timeless place that awaits visitors and that instantly plunges them into another era full of history. The singing sound of the fountain and the crackling of the large fireplace instantly transport the visitor into another world, a distant, historical one, that of the Geneva of yesteryear. On the ground floor, a large mural recounts the history of the city; Mr. Favre had entrusted this project to a few young student painters from the region, whose mission was to place the city’s well-known buildings in an imaginary setting, inspired by beautiful Venice. For this reason, the fresco tells the story of a timeless Geneva where characters and monuments from different eras cohabit. We find the Salève, the St-Pierre cathedral, the Grand Theater or the Hôtel de la Cigogne, with its feet in the water.
The original woodwork, works of art and refined furniture create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where each element is steeped in history, such as the Louis XII, XV and XVI armchairs, or the original 19th century tapestries. On the first floor, the 50 tastefully furnished rooms have also been designed with great attention to detail, to offer guests a cosy, upmarket welcome for an exceptional stay.
Tasty seasonal dishes can be enjoyed in the sumptuous décor of the Restaurant de la Cigogne. Originally a simple drinks bar, the restaurant was transformed into a chic brasserie in the 1980s, and finally became a renowned gastronomic restaurant at the beginning of the new millennium. However, traces of its past history can still be seen, including the original bay window and the central doorway that once served as the restaurant’s entrance. The combination of the rustic, imposing mahogany woodwork and the fine tableware lends the room an elegant and delicate atmosphere.
The cuisine reflects the hotel’s image: simple, refined and modern, while remaining steeped in tradition. Chef Nicolas Pasquier draws all his creativity from the original raw product, and is inspired by his visits to the market and the seasons to create exceptional dishes, always with passion and in search of perfection.
In 1997, Mr. and Mrs. Favre also became owners of the Hotel Longemalle, located right next to the Hotel La Cigogne. The second establishment was also modernised, this time in the spirit of a chic boutique hotel, with design decorations and bright colours. This is how the fabulous Longemalle Collection story began.
Three generations later, the Favre family is still as attentive to the needs and requirements of its clientele and is very attached to the two hotels. Their objective: to offer unique emotions in two exclusive locations in the centre of Geneva, thus creating memories that will last forever.
All information and reservations are available on the websites of both hotels: https://www.longemallecollection.com
