Les Avanchers autrefois — photographie sépia d'époque, charrette à cheval et panneau du village
Accueil/ The chalet/ The Arpian story
Savoyard dialect · Memory & roots · Alpine pasture

Why
"Arpian"?

A word from the Savoyard dialect that says, in just six letters, everything we wanted this chalet to be. A root-word, a tribute-word, a word that tells where we come from.

✦ Definition
Arpian
— Nom commun, masculin · Patois savoyard

The one who climbs to the alpine pasture, in summer, with his animals. When the snow melts, he leaves the valley. When it returns, he comes back. The keeper of the mountain — and of those who live there.

— Autrefois

A trade with deep roots.

At the heart of the Alps, the arpians were the sentinels of the high pastures. Every summer, they left the valley to go up with their herds to the alpine meadows, where the grass is densest and most fragrant.

They lived there alone for several months — a life of sun, rain, silence, and responsibility. They knew every animal, every cloud, every path.

It's to them we owe the carefully kept beauty of the Savoyard alpine pastures, today.

— Aujourd'hui

A chalet that keeps watch.

When the time came to rename the former family hotel after the renovation, we searched for a long time. Then, leafing through a Savoyard dialect lexicon, this word leapt out at us: Arpian.

It said everything we wanted to say. The responsibility of a place, the memory of a trade, the respect for a mountain. To be an arpian is to keep watch. We keep this chalet as the old ones kept their flock — with care, with patience.

All that was left was to share it.

Petit lexique

A few words from the land.

Because you only truly travel a region by learning a few words of its language — here's something to shine with in front of the village cheesemonger.

Arpian
N. m.Alpine herdsman, shepherd of the high pasture. The one who climbs to the summer pasture with his flock, alone for several months.
Mazot
N. m.Petit chalet annexe traditionnel, en bois et pierre. Refuge ou remise d'altitude.
Reblochon
N. m.AOP cheese born from the cunning of Savoyard farmers who only half-milked their cows in front of the inspector. The reblochage was the second milking — the one they kept for themselves.
Beaufort
N. m.The "prince of Gruyères." AOP cheese made in the high valleys of Tarentaise and Beaufortain, from the milk of Tarine and Abondance cows.
Montagnette
N. f.An intermediate dwelling between the village and the alpine pasture, occupied in spring and autumn.
Couarraille
N. f.An evening gathering of neighbors around the stove, with stories, mulled wine, and doughnuts.
Monchu
N. m.Tourist, in Savoyard dialect. Literally "sir" — a fondly mocking word the old ones use for those who step off the trains, in winter, in brand-new beanies.
✦   ✦   ✦

"To be arpian is to keep watch over a place and those who live there. We keep this chalet for you — until the day you come to live in it."

— Guillaume & Louise · Your hosts
— Come live in it

The chalet is waiting for you.

One tribe at a time — all yours.

Book your stay →
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— What our guests say

The tribes
who have stayed at Arpian.

Verified reviews, collected by Revyoos across all our booking platforms:
the voice of those who have stayed.

★★★★★
We held our company retreat (12 people) at Chalet Arpian — everything is perfect: the location, the magical view, the space for everyone. Chef Sam is a real bonus. The welcome makes you want to come back very soon — we felt at home.
Nathalie B. March 2026 · Corporate retreat · Google
★★★★★
An unforgettable family week. The chalet is perfectly suited for large groups — everyone has their own space. Spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, beautiful living spaces and kitchen. We left full of wonderful memories.
Maude A. March 2026 · Family vacation · Google
★★★★★
A luxurious, well-appointed chalet with plenty of space for a large group. Guillaume was extremely responsive. Chef Sam is an absolute must — he's worth every penny. Refined bedroom linens, perfectly equipped bathrooms.
Rebecca February 2026 · Large group · Airbnb
★★★★★
Beautiful chalet with plenty of room for everyone. Well-equipped kitchen, fabulous outdoor spa, plush bathrobes and towels. Free shuttle right outside to access the slopes. Host easy to reach and very helpful.