Our story

Guy Prache's Vision: Between Passion for the Mountains and Architecture

The history of our institution is a natural extension of the journey of Guy Prache, a renowned architect who profoundly influenced the Chamonix hotel landscape. Before settling in Le Lavancher, he notably designed and built theHotel of Jeu de Paume in Paris on the Île Saint-Louis. It is from this first masterful achievement in an old historic hall of jeu de paume, which he brought back the name, wishing to transfer this spirit of prestige to a wilder and more intimate setting.

Driven by his love for the peaks and the silence of the summits, Guy Prache decided in 1989 to anchor his most personal project in Hamlet of Lavancheror a 1250 meters above sea levelHe then acquired "Les Gentianes", a small 2-star hotel nestled in the hamlet. Rather than a simple renovation, he undertook a complete metamorphosis, guided by his architect's eye and his respect for the terrain, in order to transform this modest stopover into an exceptional 4-star chalet-hotel.

A "Home-Like-Home" Decor: The Art of China

Which gives the Jeu de Paume Its unique atmosphere is the soul that Guy Prache breathed into it. For him, the architecture was merely the setting; the life of the place also resides within its interior. An architect-decorator at heart, he has I personally sourced each piece of furniture and each trinket from antique dealers and secondhand dealers in the region.

Like his own home, he created a warm and eclectic decor where unearthed treasures sit alongside precious family memoriesAround a corner or in the living room, one can discover rooms filled with emotion, such as the grandmother's typewriter, which still seems ready to tell the stories of the past. This attention to familiar objects, combined with noble materials like wood and stone, creates that rare feeling of staying in a lived-in home rather than a hotel. It is this luxury of detail that makes the Jeu de Paume a true "charming retreat".

The Next Generation: Pierre Prache and the Enduring Spirit

Today, it's his son. Pierre Prachewho ensures the continuity of this family business. Having grown up in this environment, he inherited his father's passion for hospitality and attention to detail. Under his leadership, the hotel has evolved to meet modern luxury standards while remaining true to its roots.

Pierre Prache managed to preserve the intimacy of the place while developing:

• The Rosebud Table: A restaurant that prioritizes quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere.

• Le Spa & Well-being : A seamless integration of modern amenities (heated swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi) in the authentic setting of the chalet.

• The Summit Seminar: Under the leadership of Pierre Prache, the hotel acquired a seminar room Modern and bright. Designed to combine work and serenity, it allows companies to organize management meetings or "teambuilding" events in a confidential and inspiring setting, far from the urban bustle.

• Human-centered management: A team that shares the values ​​of the Prache family, where every customer is recognized and welcomed with respect.

Commitment to the Future: The Green Key Label

The Prache family has always maintained a deep connection with the wild nature of Lavancher. This attachment is reflected today in eco-responsible management certified by the Green Key label (Green Key).

For Pierre Prache, this commitment is also a matter of family and shared convictions: he followed the inspiring example of his sister Yona, who was a pioneer in this field by being the first to obtain the Green Key label in Marseille for her establishment, theBellevue Hotel.

The Green Key, the first international ecolabel, recognizes our concrete efforts: eliminating single-use plastics, rigorously managing energy, and promoting local supply chains. For Pierre Prache, this commitment is the logical continuation of the story: protecting the magnificent setting his father chose to build his dream.

Le Lavancher: A Historic Refuge

Located between Chamonix and Argentière, the hamlet remains the ideal starting point for the Hat hike or the discovery of the sources of the Arveyron. The Jeu de Paume is not just a hotel; it is the testimony of a family who knew how to transform the former hotel "Les Gentianes" into a symbol of the Alpine art of living.