The Journal
Unique stays in Valais: historic mayens and chalets to rent
By Marguerite & Alexandre · Published on
For centuries, Valais lived at two altitudes: the village below, the mayens and alpine pastures above. Of that summering life there remain hundreds of sun-darkened timber buildings, many of which seemed doomed to collapse in silence. A few passionate people decided otherwise.
The result: Valais is today one of the best places in Switzerland to sleep in a building with two and a half centuries of life behind it — without giving up a hot shower.
So what exactly is a mayen?
The mayen is a mid-altitude building — typically between the village and the alpine pasture — where Valais families spent part of the warm season with their cattle. Built of squared timber on a stone base, it is small, dark, and admirably adapted to the mountain. Restoring a mayen is a balancing act: keeping the lines, the materials and the spirit while slipping in today's comfort. The addresses below each succeed in their own way.
Anakolodge — seven mayens from 1770 in the Val d'Hérens
In La Forclaz, at 1,700 metres, the Anakolodge brings together seven mayens and farm buildings from 1770 that were once doomed to disappear. The architect Olivier Cheseaux restored them magnificently, respecting the lines, materials and spirit of Valais heritage. Each mayen bears a first name — à Olivier, à Madeleine, à Joseph… — and has its own configuration: from a 17 m² nest for two to the Mayen à Joseph, which sleeps up to twelve on 120 m². The floorboards creak, and that is intentional: it is the soul of the place. All of it at the foot of the Dent Blanche, from CHF 125 per night.
Alte Post — the former post office of Saas-Fee
In the heart of the village of Saas-Fee, at 1,800 metres, the Alte Post chalet was built in 1819 and long served as a post office. Its careful restoration in 2005 preserved details such as the original windows to keep the building's traditional charm. Today it is rented in two parts: the Pavillon, a little house for six with three bedrooms, each with its own independent entrance and bathroom (from CHF 450 per night), and the Suite du Maître, around 100 m² with two bedrooms for four guests (from CHF 350). A perfect blend of old and new — pets welcome.
Chalet La Gouille à l'Ours — chalet spirit in La Tzoumaz
On the heights of La Tzoumaz, in the heart of the 4 Vallées ski area and right by the slopes, the Chalet La Gouille à l'Ours is designed in the spirit of traditional Valais chalets: the charm of wood, two beds set into a traditional alcove, and large openings revealing the valley. In winter, the crackle of the stove and direct access to the slopes; in summer, the terrace facing the peaks. Sleeps four, from CHF 254 per night, four-night minimum — the ideal format for truly slowing down.
What to do nearby?
From La Forclaz, the Val d'Hérens is made for hikes facing the Dent Blanche. Saas-Fee, a car-free village at the foot of 4,000-metre peaks, is worth living in summer and winter alike. La Tzoumaz gives access to the whole 4 Vallées area. And to continue the heritage itinerary beyond the canton, our guide to historic homes in Graubünden naturally picks up the trail.
Booking
Every page puts you directly in touch with the owners — you book with them, with no middleman. Find the full collection in our guide to historic places to stay in Switzerland.
