Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Annecy is not unknown to me as I used to live there for more than a year after getting my first job nearby. Annecy is a beautiful city and it is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the old town, the canals, and the famous lake. Yet, just a few minutes away lies Annecy-le-Vieux, a quieter neighborhood with plenty of charm and some excellent dining options. During our last trip to France, we stopped for lunch at Le Clocher, a restaurant that perfectly combines history, tradition, and modern French cuisine. Located in the heart of historic Annecy-le-Vieux, Le Clocher occupies the ground floor of a building that is more than 400 years old. The restaurant takes its name from the nearby Romanesque bell tower dating back to the 12th century, one of the area's most notable historical landmarks. The tower originally belonged to a church dedicated to Notre-Dame and stands as a reminder of the rich heritage of the neighborhood. The restaurant itself features thick stone walls and a beautiful setting where old and new blend together seamlessly.
As soon as we sat down, we knew we were in for a treat. We started with a selection of appetizers that made sharing mandatory. The pâté en croûte (12 Eur), a classic, was excellent. Encased in a beautifully baked pastry crust, the filling was flavorful and well-balanced. Rich without being heavy, it was a wonderful start.
Pate en croute at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Hummus at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Burrata at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
For her main, Jodi ordered the burrata with pesto and toasted bread brushed with tomatoes. The creamy burrata paired well with the fresh pesto, while the toasted bread added texture and sweetness from the tomatoes. She also got a generous serving of hummus (10 Eur), that was smooth and creamy, served with labne and a nice amount of toasted bread. On my side, for the main course, I chose the roasted rump steak (Le Boeuf - 35 Eur) with figs, Grandma's mashed potatoes, confit shallots, and a foie gras sauce. This was comfort food elevated to another level. The thick steak was cooked beautifully and was tender and juicy. The figs brought a subtle sweetness that complemented the meat perfectly. The mashed potatoes lived up to their "Grandma's" description, rich, creamy, and comforting. The confit shallots added depth and sweetness, while the foie gras sauce tied everything together with a luxurious richness that made every bite memorable.
Roasted rump steak at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Roasted rump steak at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Despite being quite full, dessert was not negotiable. I wanted to try the clafoutis (11 Eur), a cake I did not have for years. Made with a vervain sorbet, I was a bit disappointed though as it was a bit dry and I did not like the espuma de calamondin that is a light, airy molecular gastronomy creation made using a whipped cream siphon, that unfortunately was too tart. The Oreo cake (12 Eur), meanwhile, offered a more modern contrast. Rich, indulgent, and packed with chocolate cookie flavor, it was a hit!
Clafoutis at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Oreo cake at Le Clocher in Annecy-Le-Vieux
Le Clocher is exactly the type of restaurant I love discovering while traveling. It combines local history, a beautiful setting, friendly service, and a menu that respects French culinary traditions while keeping things fresh and approachable. If you are exploring Annecy or staying nearby, taking a short detour to Annecy-le-Vieux is well worth it. Between the centuries-old building, the historic bell tower next door, and dishes like the roasted rump steak with foie gras sauce, Le Clocher delivers a memorable French dining experience that feels both authentic and welcoming.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Le Clocher - 20 Place Gabriel Fauré, Annecy-le-Vieux
