Le Cottage du Lignon

At first glance, Le Cottage du Lignon might seem like just another chalet. But take three steps up, open the door, and you’ll hear the gentle murmur of the Lignon river flowing just below. Just a seven-minute walk from the center of Chambon-sur-Lignon, the cottage feels like a world apart—tucked between fir trees and the river. No neighbors in sight, no stress, no schedule. Just a south-facing terrace, five cozy bedrooms, a spacious living area with a vintage table ready to seat twelve, and a kitchen just waiting to fill the air with the scent of home-cooked meals.

Designed to welcome families, groups of friends, or even relaxed retreats (that big table also makes a great brainstorming spot), the house moves at your pace. From breakfast in a bathrobe to yoga on the terrace, dips in the garden stream to barbecue nights—each day here is yours to invent (or reinvent).

There’s plenty to do around the chalet—if you can tear yourself away from the terrace, that is. Because here, the unofficial national sport is doing absolutely nothing, just gazing out at the fir trees. But if you’re feeling a bit more energetic, the options are endless: take a wild swim in the river just steps away, set off on a hike right from the house with a cap on your head and a picnic in your bag, visit the Chambon-sur-Lignon Memorial or the Jules Romains museum, or simply stroll through the local market, pick out a great cheese, and savor it in the sun with the sound of the river in the background.

And in winter? Strap on your snowshoes, watch the snowflakes drift down, then sink into a hot bath before sitting down to a hearty raclette. Summer or winter, Auvergne has everything you could wish for!