The Viziit journal

Les Chalets Bovard in Châtel: understated alpine luxury

In Châtel, the Spencer and Whymper chalets combine old wood, spacious interiors, and wellness areas facing the mountains of the Portes du Soleil.

France6 March 2025

Chalet Bovard overlooking the mountains and the Châtel valley in Haute-Savoie

Set high above Châtel, Chalets Bovard offer a contemporary take on the alpine retreat. The Spencer and the Whymper combine old wood, stone, large picture windows, and relaxation areas, with the Abondance Valley on the horizon.

ChâtelHaute-Savoie, France

2 chaletsSpencer and Whymper

Portes du Soleila Franco-Swiss ski area

Chalet Bovard en bois dominant les montagnes verdoyantes de Châtel — Set on the heights, the chalets enjoy an open panorama over Châtel and the surrounding peaks.

A family story rooted in Châtel

The Spencer and Whymper chalets were envisioned by brothers Yannick and Anthony Bovard, who are from Châtel, and then built on family land. This history explains the sought-after balance between local architecture and modern comfort.

The old wood is not used as mere decoration. It interacts with the stone, metal, and large openings to preserve the mountain spirit while letting in the light.

Chalet Spencer, designed for big gatherings

Spencer can accommodate up to fourteen people in six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Its spacious living room with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and bar create a central space where the group can truly live together without feeling cramped.

The chalet also includes a cinema room and a fitness area. These amenities make all the more sense on bad-weather days or when some travelers prefer to stay quiet while others head to the slopes.

Grand salon contemporain en bois et pierre du Chalet Spencer à Châtel — In the living spaces, alpine materials frame resolutely contemporary volumes.

Chalet Whymper, a more intimate atmosphere

Whymper accommodates up to thirteen people. It has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a cinema room, a games room, a high-end kitchen, and a bar.

Its design favors simple circulation and shared spaces. It is especially well suited to families or groups who want to keep shared moments while still enjoying independent bedrooms.

Espace bar en bois des Chalets Bovard à Châtel — The bar extends the chalet's convivial spirit, far from the formality of hotel accommodation.

Panoramic sauna and jacuzzi facing the peaks

Both chalets have an outdoor jacuzzi and a panoramic sauna. After skiing or a long hike, these spaces let you slow down without leaving the scenery.

The sauna's large opening turns the valley into a living picture: snow and cold light in winter, meadows and green hillsides when the good weather returns.

Vue enneigée sur Châtel depuis le sauna panoramique des Chalets Bovard — The panoramic sauna frames Châtel and the snow-covered slopes like a window open onto the valley.

Jacuzzi extérieur avec vue sur les montagnes de Châtel en été — In summer too, the outdoor jacuzzi retains all its appeal thanks to the panorama.

Châtel, a four-season destination

Châtel belongs to the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area. In winter, the region offers 600 kilometers of skiing spread across its resorts; however, openings remain dependent on snow conditions and the day's weather.

In summer, skis are replaced by hiking, mountain biking, and mountain activities. This dual seasonality completely changes the atmosphere of the stay: the same terraces can look out over white slopes one moment and a green, sunlit valley the next.

Façade éclairée d’un Chalet Bovard avec sauna extérieur à la tombée du jour — At dusk, the wood and warm lighting enhance the enveloping character of the place.

Planning a stay at Chalets Bovard

Capacity: check the exact room layout before allocating adults and children.
Skiing: check lift openings, the weather, and shuttle services on the day of departure.
Summer: book activities and lifts you may need according to the seasonal opening dates.
Access: in winter, plan to use a properly equipped vehicle and allow extra time for travel.
Services: confirm before booking which services are actually included and which are available at an extra charge.
Wellness: organize use of the jacuzzi and sauna in line with the owner's instructions.

Luxury that first and foremost rests on space

The main appeal of Chalets Bovard lies not in a long list of amenities, but in the way they are integrated. The panorama accompanies the sauna, the terraces extend the living areas, and the leisure spaces keep the group from scattering.

For a family gathering or a stay among friends, Spencer and Whymper thus offer two variations on the same promise: to truly inhabit the mountains, in summer and winter alike.