Chalet Balaena is in the 18th Century hamlet of Le Chinaillon, which is part of Le Grand Bornand, a genuine French Alpine village about 40 minutes from Annecy and one hour from Geneva, Switzerland. The traditional wooden chalet was built 20 years ago and enjoys one of the finest mountain views in the area as well as a very quiet location. The chalet is privately owned by Wink Lorch who is passionate about the mountains and enjoys them all year round.
The Apartment
The spacious apartment on the lower floor is fitted with comfort and holiday convenience in mind. With two bedrooms, two sofa beds and two bathrooms, it accommodates up to 6 people. The kitchen is fully equipped for this number and there is ample storage for a comfortable stay. The apartment has doors out to its own private garden, a rarity for rental accommodation in the area.
The apartment is currently only available on a longer-term let and we have tenants now until at least after the 2012/2013 winter season.
Summer and Autumn Holidays
Ideal for an Alpine Summer holiday Chalet Balaena is located on an extensive network of walking paths many of which are also suitable for Mountain Bikes. In addition, the area offers many Summer activities, and the proximity of the beautiful city of Annecy with its spectacular lake is a particular bonus. Out of the main summer season, June and September are very peaceful months to visit and a late autumn holiday in October is also possible.
Weekly rentals and last-minute short breaks (minimum 3 nights) available.
The video below was kindly produced by Craig and Linda of Indie Travel Podcast who stayed for a few days during the week the Tour de France came through in July 2010.
Facilities in the local area
Le Chinaillon has a small supermarket, two bakers, a butcher, several delicatessens, plus souvenir shops, sports and clothes boutiques. There is a tourist office, with postal facilities. Several restaurants offer local specialities along with International and French menus. All are reached on foot in 10 minutes, or by car in a couple of minutes. They are open during the main Winter Ski season, and in July & August. Le Grand Bornand (10 minutes’ drive) has a weekly produce Market on Wednesdays with shops and restaurants open all year round. For an even greater choice, Thônes and Annecy are easily reached by road.
Access routes
Check our Location page for a map. Chalet Balaena is around one hour by road from Geneva International Airport. It is 45 minutes’ from Annecy railway station. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Central Paris and about 8 hours from the Channel ports.
Winter Season Long-Term Rental
Your home in the Alps for the whole winter season! Chalet Balaena makes a great base for a winter in the heart of a resort, with easy access to many other top-name resorts. The extensive local Chinaillon lifts are reached in 3 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot and the linked area provides skiing and snowboarding for all standards. Cross-country ski trails and snow-shoe paths start on the doorstep. The nearby resort of La Clusaz is just 20 minutes’ drive with many major resorts including Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Courchevel only 1- 2 hours away by car. You’ll find that Chinaillon is a much more reasonably-priced resort to live in than many of the top names. The rental apartment is ideal for up to 4 people on a full-time basis, with space for 2 – 4 more occasional vistors. Read more information about Winter in Chinaillon.
The apartment is currently only available on a longer-term let and we have tenants now until at least after the 2012/2013 winter season.
