The Annie Famose Group: Redefining French Hospitality

The Annie Famose Group has become one of France’s leading family-led hospitality groups. Today, it owns nearly 50 restaurants and 3 hotels across destinations including Biarritz, Saint-Barth, Saint Tropez and the French Alps.

Founded by former Olympic skier Annie Famose, it is now led alongside her children Sarah and David Brémond. The group is build around a vision of warmth, experience-driven hospitality rooted in the French Art de Vivre.

Although the group began in the Alps, in Avoriaz, Biarritz remains one of its key destinations. Annie Famose grew up in the region and has strong family ties there. In Biarritz its philosophy comes to life through three distinct properties: Le Talaia, Café de Paris, and Maison Chiberta. According to Maxime Maillet, the hotel director of the Biarritz division, each property was designed with its own identity rather than following a standardised model.

“The signature of the group is authenticity. Each concept is adapted depending on the destination and the target audience”. – Maxime Maillet

For example, Le Talaia, reflects Biarritz’s surf culture through wellness experience and local activities. Meanwhile, Maison Chiberta focuses on golf and well-being, while Café de Paris offers a more refined city experience. Furthermore, Maillet emphasises the importance of design and atmosphere. Every choice is based on its relevance to the property, for example by designing sensory elements such as scents. Their aim is to be professional, yet inclusive. As a result, both locals and tourists feel welcome.

Beyond hospitality, the group strengthens its connection through local collaborations, wellness partnerships, and community events such as weekly brunches. Ultimately, the goal is to create memorable and unique experiences. Continuing its expansion, the group recently strengthened its presence in Paris with the opening of Kinugawa Rive Gauche within the five-star SAX hotel by LXR.

Interview with Annie Famose

IRK: You founded the group after your career as an athlete. What inspired you to move into hospitality?

At the time, sports careers for women were short and not very profitable. Like many skiers, I first opened a sports shop in Avoriaz. Later, I naturally moved into hospitality and opened my first restaurant. I quickly realised I loved creating places where people could come together and enjoy themselves. Hospitality became an obvious next step… a natural extension of my journey.

IRK: How has your experience as Annie Famose the Olympic athlete influenced your approach to hospitality and leadership today?

Sport taught me discipline, rigour and the importance of teamwork. These values remain at the core of how I lead today. I place great importance on attention to detail, quality, adaptability and the ability to continuously improve. Hospitality is a daily commitment, where consistency makes all the difference.

IRK: The group is now led alongside your children. Was it important for you to build a family vision, and how has it evolved over time?

Yes, transmission was always important to me. Today, Sarah and David bring a more modern vision while respecting the group’s foundations. Sarah focuses on guest experience and design, while David leads international development, franchise projects and new concepts. Together, we combine different perspectives with a shared level of expectation. This diversity allows us to explore new horizons, and grow without ever losing what defines us: a sincere, demanding, and deeply human approach to hospitality.

IRK: What does a “family approach” to hospitality mean to you?

It means welcoming guests with sincerity and attention. We want every guest to feel recognised and cared for. This philosophy also explains the loyalty of our international guests, who return year after year and follow our brands. Internally, it relies on loyal teams, many of whom have been with us for years. At the same time, we reject an overly standardised approach. We want vibrant places brought to life by engaged teams. This human centred vision is at the heart of our family philosophy.

IRK: What are the hospitality group’s priorities for future growth?

We focus on destinations with a strong identity and energy. Rather than opening many locations, we want to create meaningful places that fit our vision and are built to last.

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