Since 1803
Our Story
1803
Building the farmhouse
Built in 1803 by Michel Cachat, Le Solerey was originally a farmhouse. The central ground-floor room (the stable) housed livestock. Only one third was habitable, around the kitchen and its large fireplace.
It also contains the living room with its stove, used as both a lounge and bedroom. The upper floor was reserved for hay storage. At that time, the main activities of the five farms in Le Lavancher were livestock farming and growing potatoes as a staple food.
Gathered around the bread oven, they gradually witnessed the growing enthusiasm for the mountains. Le Lavancher was the essential path to reach the Vallée Blanche via Le Chapeau and the Mauvais Pas. This is how Le Solerey came to house the shoemaker of the alpinists.
After 1900
The rise of tourism
At that time, tourism was in full swing, although the traditional activities of Le Lavancher, focused on field farming, remained unchanged. Hotels such as the Hôtel Beau-Séjour appeared to welcome skiers returning from the Vallée Blanche.
In 1905, Chamonix Mont Blanc experienced a cold record with temperatures dropping to -31 degrees. In 1908, the first section of the Montenvers railway was inaugurated, providing access to the Mer de Glace. The Winter Olympics marked the year 1924.
The village
Why is Le Lavancher unique?
At 1200 m altitude, sunny and overlooking the valley, Le Lavancher offers a breathtaking view of the needles: an ideal spot to escape the hustle of Chamonix. Central point of the three ski areas, crossed by the cross-country ski trail, Le Lavancher is also the starting point for many hikes.