Chamonix, FranceLe Lavancher
Chalet Hôtel & Spa Jeu de Paume
Fireside alpine chalet
Fireside alpine chalet
Evenings revolve around the fireside lounge at Le Rosebud, where cocktails and chessboards replace the bustle of Chamonix.
What it’s good at
Listed
South-facing balconies overlooking the Argentière Valley, with Savoyard cuisine in quiet Lavancher.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
it swaps city glamour for mountain charm - warm pine interiors, a roaring fire crowned with antlers, and deep leather armchairs perfect for après-ski.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The quiet hamlet of Le Lavancher sits at 1,250 metres, just a short drive above the busy Chamonix valley.
The rooms
Pine paneling lines the bedrooms, and balconies look out toward Mont Blanc and the Argentière Valley.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The indoor pool reaches two metres deep beneath timber trusses, with glass doors opening straight onto the garden.
Sauna and hot tubs
A timber Finnish sauna sits beside an indoor whirlpool, and a sheltered hot tub rests out on the terrace.
At the table
La Table du Lavancher sets out morning spreads, and Le Rosebud serves inventive Savoyard dinners overlooking the gardens.
How it began
Architect Guy Prache bought a modest local inn here in 1989, naming it after his Parisian hotel on Île Saint-Louis.
Chamonix
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.