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 charm 

charm : lodgings to bewitch winter again


François de la Grolée
In winter, you have to approach the “Lavis-Trafford” chalet on snowshoes or skis. The little road leading there is a groomed cross country ski trail, and luggage is transported by snowbike.

 
 

Chalet de Lavis-Trafford : a secluded mountain paradise
Chalet Lavis-Traffort
© Chalet Lavis-Traffort

The visitor still has to walk 4 km, which takes a good 45 minutes.
According François de Grolée, owner of the Lavis-Trafford chalet, “Those who come here are true winter mountain lovers, many of whom are regulars.” Some hail from far-off countries, such as Japan, Australia or New Zeeland.

“We are located in the hamlet of Planay, at an altitude of 1,670 metres, 7 km from Bramans, the closest occupied village. Here, there is no post and no rubbish collection. We have an autonomous way of life. I go to get supplies in Modane once a week with my 4 wheel drive.” A rushing mountain stream and larch trees add the final touches to the picture. The chalet has 5 rooms for a total of 12 lucky people.

“As long as you’re up to it, the walk to the chalet can be compared to a ritual” says François de Grolée. The clientele is mainly composed of couples without children, in their thirties or fifties. “What are they looking for? Good quality accommodation in a secluded place, a rare thing nowadays, in other words isolation from the outside world. Total relaxation and a magical, highly personal experience.”

What do they like most? The personal freedom they enjoy here. François, who is also a certified mountain guide, tells us “When I started up, I considered organizing courses here, but it didn't work. My clients prefer to stay independent, they just ask for advice when they need it, whenever they go out.” Some of them are quite happy to stay at the chalet… Surrounded by snow, in the company of a good book, beside the wood stove. Sheer bliss.

The house possesses a library, with a collection related to the research undertaken by Dr. Marc-Antoine de Lavis-Trafford. This British subject fell in love with the Maurienne Mountains, and expended considerable effort in the 1920s in an attempt to prove that Hannibal had crossed the Alps with his elephants at the nearby Clappier pass. According to the current owner “German archaeology lovers still come up here to check the reliability of his findings".

Practical information :

Chalet Lavis-Trafford
Florence et François de Grolée
Le Planay - 73500 Bramans
Tél. : (0033) (0)4 79 05 06 83
Fax : (0033) (0)4 79 05 08 82
Mail : info@chalet-lavis-trafford.com