Located at an altitude of 1300 metres in the old listed village of Chinaillon,
just above Grand-Bornand, “Sur l’Alpe” is an authentic, traditional Savoyard-style chalet,
built in 1747 and completely renovated in 2007. As with all old chalets in the Aravis mountain range, it is built of spruce wood and its roof is covered with wooden shingles known as “tavaillons”. This means it is perfectly insulated from the cold during winter, and stays cool in the summer.
Whether you prefer to ski or hike, or simply love magnificent landscapes, you will appreciate our tranquil surroundings, pure mountain air, and water worthy of the greatest sources.
Kick back and unwind…
Our two independent luxury apartments can accommodate 6 to 8 and 8 to 9 people, respectively.
Meticulously furnished and decorated in the pure mountain style typical of the Aravis area, they harmoniously combine the spirit of yesteryear with the comfort of today.
These choice apartments boast a full range of household appliances, as well as excellent quality sleeping accommodations.
The apartments have shared access to the laundry room in the basement, fitted with a washing machine, tumble dryer, and drying racks. A ski storage room and private carpark are also available. Both apartments come with free Wi-Fi access.
In our private garden, guests can enjoy a sauna with shower, nestled in a typical Savoyard-style one-room chalet known as a “mazot”, at no extra cost.
Kick back and unwind...
The nearest Alpine ski slopes are a mere 800 metres away. Access is provided via a shuttle service every 30 minutes, with a stop only 50 metres from the chalet.
Cross-country ski trails can be found just 20 metres from the chalet.
The chalet is located directly by the starting point of the summer and winter hiking trails in the old and unspoilt listed village of Chinaillon. The small road leading through the village is quiet, offering an unparalleled sense of calm and serenity despite being only 500 metres from the shops on the main road.There you can find the bakery, pharmacy, ski rental boutiques, grocery shop, tobacconist, newsagent, bars, restaurants, and more, as well as the Tourist Office, which also sells ski lift passes.
Our reception is open 24/7 and offers additional hotel-style services at an extra cost, such as cleaning, breakfast, and changing the bed linens. If you would like to make use of these services, simply let us know when you check in.
Your hosts
A little history...
In 1747, our ancestors built the wooden farmhouse that would come to be known as “Sur l’Alpe”.
Originally, the chalet was composed of 2 main rooms – a “peille” or “dry cellar”, where Reblochon cheese was left to dry once ripe, and a “front bedroom” –, as well as a basic kitchen that led out to the stable, and the “bodam”, which housed Pépé Firmin’s mare “Poupée”.
The basement, which served as the “damp cellar”, has since been transformed into a large apartment.
In 2006, we moved into the old hay barn and made it our home.
Before becoming “Sur l’Alpe”, the chalet was home to Blanche and Firmin, François’ parents. Anecdotally, Blanche was born here, and Firmin was born in the neighbouring chalet, so they lived side-by-side for some 75 years!
François inherited this chalet, in which he was also born and where he spent his youth.
Following his retirement, he devoted his time to renovating his childhood farm and his wife Christel helped with the decoration.
Right beside “Sur l’Alpe” sits another chalet – “Le Vieux Four” –, which was once the communal oven for the whole village.
If you talk to the elders of the village, they all have their own story to tell… It is now our children’s and grandchildren’s holiday home.
If one thing is for sure, it’s that these chalets have a soul.
It is a real pleasure for us to share a little glimpse of our life in the mountains, our welcoming traditions, and our love of authenticity with our guests.
“welcome to our home”
François & Christel Pernet