Founding alpine chalet
The original mountain inn still operates as a family home, pairing quiet alpine spaces and thermal pools with views toward the Écrins peaks.
What it’s good at
Listed
Heated indoor hydrotherapy and summer outdoor pools beside a Finnish sauna and hammam.
Listed
Alpine dining focused on seasonal mountain produce and regional French cellar selections.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
High up in the resort, on the site of a mountain farmhouse, is the oldest of the resort's hotels, which was established in the 1930s.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The chalet stands high in the village, a short walk from the historic chapel and the ski lifts.
The rooms
Comfortable rooms stick to classic alpine furnishings, offering quiet spaces designed for deep rest after full days on the snow.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool with hydro-jets sits under timber beams, and a second pool opens outdoors during summer.
The spa and sauna
Treatment rooms host Cinq Mondes rituals, set beside a Finnish sauna and a traditional hammam steam room.
At the table
Dining rooms lined in timber and cowhide serve daily menus of mountain produce and bottles from an extensive wine cellar.
How it began
Pierre Balme opened a modest mountain refuge here in 1879, which his granddaughter transformed into the resort's first hotel in 1933.
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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.