Not far from Switzerland and Italy, L’Armancette is an icon of the village of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, a short distance from Saint-Gervais. The boutique hotel has an incredible view of the Mont-Blanc, which seems to watch over the warm rooms, the spa and the two highly tasty restaurants.
Owned by Almae Collection, L’Armancette is a small gem of Haute-Savoie, embellished in the winter season by the snowflakes that cover its roof. Discovery of this chalet ideal for a stay in the mountains.
A boutique hotel with 19 rooms
Often considered one of the most beautiful mountain settings in France, L’Armancette enjoys an exceptional location. Nestled at the junction of the French, Swiss and Italian borders, the hotel, under the leadership of the Almae Collection group, is located in the small town of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, a few kilometers south of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains. At the foot of the slopes, the establishment built by architect Gilles Grandjacques and opened in 2019, takes its name from the nearby glacier, Armancette, and offers a splendid view of the mythical Mont-Blanc and its Domes de Miage.
With its family chalet look, this peaceful refuge is distinguished by the quality of its materials (granite of Mont Blanc, tavaillon, lauze…) and the work done to each finish. The decoration designed by Géraldine Marin is mineral, luxurious and warm. The hotel in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains has only 19 rooms, including eight family keys and duplex. High-end elements found around the world, such as Calacatta marble, Brazilian granite or Italian alfalfa stone. The aged woodwork is accompanied by woven and textured fabrics with wool, flannel, velvet and silk. A few touches of bronze and gold embellish the place.
For large groups of up to 16 people wishing to spend a weekend in the mountains, Chalet Ancolie stands as an alpine cocoon with discreet luxury. Wellness area, ski room, five double rooms, two dorms, a closed kitchen well equipped, cinema room… Enough to spend a stay in the mountains in complete privacy.
Two delicious tables and a spa with mountain views
Two restaurants are integrated in the 5-star hotel. La Table d’Armante, close to the Michelin star, is led by Fabien Laprée who has trained with great names in cuisine including Christian Sinicropi at Martinez (Cannes), Franck Ferigutti at Terre Blanche and Château Saint-Martin and Davy Tissot at the Institut Paul Bocuse (Lyon). The products are local and magnified by the mountain grass branches harvested by the brigade during walks. The tomme de Savoie from a farm located three kilometers away, which garnishes homemade agnolotti (a kind of ravioli), all served in a mushroom consommé with generous strips of black truffle. We also keep the veal from the massif de la Chartreuse roast with sautoir, mushrooms of Savoie and parsnips and juice. On the dessert side, the chef can count on his pastry partner Gauthier Chaffard. The hazelnut of Piedmont and its cream cheese enhanced with lime and hot soufflé are on the dessert menu.
In front of L’Armancette, the bistro Le Mont Joly unveils a contemporary room and lounge, but also a spectacular terrace with views of Mont Blanc. The menu changes according to the seasons but remains generous and comforting all year round with for example croquettes au Reblochon, a fondue and or fish dumplings from the lake. We enjoy having a drink with friends when summer comes to the mountains.
For a sweet break, the hotel also offers a tea room with homemade bread and pastries to enjoy around a good hot chocolate. This space also houses the only bakery in the village.
After skiing, a horse-drawn sleigh ride or a carriage ride, head to the spa on the first floor of the hotel. Surrounded by Luserne stone and topped with a starry ceiling inside, the heated semi-covered pool stretches outside on a terrace-solarium with panoramic views of Mount Vorassay, the Bionnassay needle, the Armancette glacier and the domes of Miage. That’s it.
The luxury spa at the mountain has jacuzzis, a sauna, a hammam and cabins with signature Kos Paris treatments. The gym has been finely crafted and loved in stone walls exhumed from the seabed. During this moment of relaxation, the kids’ club takes care of the children with fun and educational activities.
Read also : Discover the Lodge Park in Megève, the new jewel case for ski lovers
Featured photo : © Lenaka – L’Armancette
