In the mayen at Pierre
Presentation
Practical information
The reinvented hamlet of mayens.
Whether it is called mazot, raccard, or barn depending on its function and location, the mayen is the symbol of a deeply rooted Valais identity, a testament to the agricultural evolution over the centuries in these Swiss valleys.
At the bottom of the magnificent Val d’Hérens, below the village of La Forclaz, the Valaisan architect Olivier Cheseaux has brought seven mayens back to life, which had gradually lost their function and were destined for destruction. They come from Nax, Evolène, or Vex, yet one could imagine they have always been here, nestled on the hillside. In his quest to preserve heritage, Olivier Cheseaux carefully disassembled them by hand and rope, piece by piece, in order to rebuild them identically around a contemporary concrete framework without marking the materials. The comfort provided by modern facilities – underfloor heating, running water, or Wi-Fi connection – is thus guaranteed, and the traditional exterior (a structure of larch wood beams covered with stone shingles and elevated on a stone base) remains absolutely intact. From the ancient framework covering the new roof to the mouse stones, every part of the building has been replaced with millimeter precision. A real feat.
The oldest of these seven treasures of Alpine heritage is 300 years old; named after their last owners – Olivier, Etienne, Jean, Madeleine, Joseph, Henri, and Pierre – they have become jewel boxes once again. Inside, the spaces have been completely reimagined, contemporary, minimalist, and no new openings have been added. Only the creation of an underground extension has allowed an increase in living space to provide more comfort to the living area and bedrooms.
Anako Lodge also strives to preserve the surrounding environment. To blend seamlessly into this exceptional panorama, access is on foot, with vehicles asked to stay at a distance.
A renovation full of charm and authenticity, an achievement that will delight those seeking time, walkers who love open spaces, or gatherers of edible plants. With the breathtaking view of the Dent Blanche (4,357 m), it is the ideal archetype of a mountain retreat, an experience akin to a stationary journey in this so authentic and sunny valley where traditions are alive and well. Animal skins, masks, and carnival bells are unforgettable...
Anako is the name of an Amazonian shaman whose people lived in perfect harmony with nature. "My conception of architecture has a similar mission: to create a dwelling where the place is respected, spared, and preserved," says Olivier Cheseaux.
✯ Open all year round ✯
Whether it is called mazot, raccard, or barn depending on its function and location, the mayen is the symbol of a deeply rooted Valais identity, a testament to the agricultural evolution over the centuries in these Swiss valleys.
At the bottom of the magnificent Val d’Hérens, below the village of La Forclaz, the Valaisan architect Olivier Cheseaux has brought seven mayens back to life, which had gradually lost their function and were destined for destruction. They come from Nax, Evolène, or Vex, yet one could imagine they have always been here, nestled on the hillside. In his quest to preserve heritage, Olivier Cheseaux carefully disassembled them by hand and rope, piece by piece, in order to rebuild them identically around a contemporary concrete framework without marking the materials. The comfort provided by modern facilities – underfloor heating, running water, or Wi-Fi connection – is thus guaranteed, and the traditional exterior (a structure of larch wood beams covered with stone shingles and elevated on a stone base) remains absolutely intact. From the ancient framework covering the new roof to the mouse stones, every part of the building has been replaced with millimeter precision. A real feat.
The oldest of these seven treasures of Alpine heritage is 300 years old; named after their last owners – Olivier, Etienne, Jean, Madeleine, Joseph, Henri, and Pierre – they have become jewel boxes once again. Inside, the spaces have been completely reimagined, contemporary, minimalist, and no new openings have been added. Only the creation of an underground extension has allowed an increase in living space to provide more comfort to the living area and bedrooms.
Anako Lodge also strives to preserve the surrounding environment. To blend seamlessly into this exceptional panorama, access is on foot, with vehicles asked to stay at a distance.
A renovation full of charm and authenticity, an achievement that will delight those seeking time, walkers who love open spaces, or gatherers of edible plants. With the breathtaking view of the Dent Blanche (4,357 m), it is the ideal archetype of a mountain retreat, an experience akin to a stationary journey in this so authentic and sunny valley where traditions are alive and well. Animal skins, masks, and carnival bells are unforgettable...
Anako is the name of an Amazonian shaman whose people lived in perfect harmony with nature. "My conception of architecture has a similar mission: to create a dwelling where the place is respected, spared, and preserved," says Olivier Cheseaux.
✯ Open all year round ✯
Anako Lodge
Chemin des Ceintres 12
1985 La Forclaz
Tel : +41 (0)75 413 50 04
From 260 CHFChemin des Ceintres 12
1985 La Forclaz
Tel : +41 (0)75 413 50 04
Pricing details
Rates 2021, from 260 CHF (220€) for 2 nights (minimum stay*) for two people (Mayen à Henri). Breakfast, 10 Sfr.Sheets, household linen, basic groceries, and end-of-stay cleaning included.
(*) Minimum stay of 2 nights, except for the end-of-year holidays, Carnival, and Easter, the lodges are rented for a minimum of 7 nights.
..:: 7 mayens for two to five people ::..
Mayen à Olivier (50m2, 1 double bed)
Mayen à Etienne (60m2, 3 single beds and 1 double bed)
Mayen à Jean (60m2, 4 single beds and 1 double bed)
Mayen à Madeleine (90 m2, 4 single beds and 1 double bed)
Mayen à Joseph (110m2, 8 single beds and 2 double beds)
Mayen à Henri (25m2, 1 sofa bed)
Mayen à Pierre (75m2, 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds)
Activities: in this wild nature, some guests try ski touring, explore the Dent Blanche Area (100 km of slopes between 2000 and 3000m between Evolène, Arolla, La Forclaz), or discover tandem paragliding, others enjoy the altitude for a snowshoe outing, but all will go chop wood to feed the stoves ツ.
Services upon reservation, breakfast, packed lunch, fondue, etc. prepared by the village merchants (grocery store and restaurant in La Forclaz). Car-free area and equipment for young children highly appreciated by families.
Note, dogs are only allowed in the Mayen à Pierre, the family lodge.
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
19 km from Zermatt, 34km from LeukerbadAccessible by public transport from Sion train station.
