Chamonix valley

Trélechamps - France

In the footsteps of Armand Charlet

Stopping at the Auberge de la Boerne means experiencing immersion in the secret garden of Armand Charlet, the famous Chamoniard mountaineer.

Charlet is an emblematic guide born at the beginning of the 20th century, he is also a man with a strong character and above all one of the outstanding figures of inter-war mountaineering, considered the one of the most talented of his generation. An incredible record of first ascents, notably at the Aiguille Verte which he particularly liked, the Petit Capucin (3,425 m), the Trident du Chardonnet (3,500m) alongside his comrades Camille Devouassoux and Roger Frison-Roche or even the The needle of Grépon, Bionnassay or those of Diable… Armand Charlet has accompanied over 3,000 climbs and 12,000 clients as a guide throughout his career. Without forgetting his exemplary career at ENSA (National School of Skiing and Mountaineering) as a teacher where he trained generations and generations of guides. An existence of passion for the mountains led with beating drums with an immutable heart refuge: La Boerne, his farm.

A family story

Built in the 18th century, La Boerne was a typical alpine farm belonging to the Charlet family. At the time, cows grazed in this green mountain pasture, nestled between the Col des Montets and the Aiguille Verte. Over the years, the farm has become a gîte. Armand thus began to welcome his customers in a friendly manner for well-deserved breaks between two memorable climbs.

The transformation

In 1982, Gilbert Mugnier, Armand Charlet's grandson and mountain guide, decided to take over the family farm to accommodate the growing number of hikers in the valley. He is the first to come and live in the village all year round, a village that he particularly likes for its calm and its spectacular preserved landscapes. Trélechamps (meaning “across fields”) is a unique village, built under the Piz rock which naturally protects it from avalanches. Since 2018, Julien and Justine have been the friendly guardians of the Boerne and will be happy to welcome you to make you experience unforgettable moments in this place steeped in history!

Today

A timeless experience is offered to you, plus the comfort of our times! Here, it is as if time were suspended somewhere between the 18th century and the end of the 19th century, the atmosphere is warm and the generous cuisine gives pride of place to the tasty dishes of our region. The hardest part at the Auberge de la Boerne: it's leaving again... you've been warned!