La Charmette (ex-Maison Forestière)

The place

Hikers' lodge at 1274 m, a former Chartreuse forester's house built in 1862, in the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park (municipality of Proveysieux, Isère). Occupied until the First World War by two foresters and their families living there year-round. From 1921, put to tourist use under concession to the Touring Club de France, which turned it into a hotel. The ONF sold the building in 2012 and it became private property. Today: 24-bed lodge, 6 showers, 8 bathrooms. Runs on energy self-sufficiency thanks to photovoltaic solar panels, wood heating and solar thermal, provided by 3 stoves. Half-board offered. Summer season, year-round opening under study.