Enjoy great skiing, walking and biking from this family-friendly French Alps chalet
Quick facts
- Le Grand Bornand
- Chalet
- Village 1.1 km
- Large flat garden with hot tub
- Hot tub, table tennis, table football
- Stunning mountain views
Full Property Details
- Rate: €2,490 to €5,790 per week
- Location: Le Grand Bornand
- Type: Chalet
- Altitude in metres: 1221 m
- Outlook: South
- Sleeps: 14
- Official classification: 5
- Animals welcome
Rooms
- Main rooms: 7
- Number of bedrooms: 5
- Number of double beds: 6 (2 of the doubles can be 4 singles)
- Number of single beds: 2
- Sofa beds (double): 1
- Bath/shower rooms: 3
- Bath(s): 2
- Shower(s): 3
- Toilet(s) in bathroom(s): 2
- Separate toilet(s): 2
- Floor area: 199 m2
- Open-plan kitchen
- Number of floors: 2
- Dining seating for: 14
Getting Around
- Parking spaces available: 3
- Town centre: 1.1 km
- Ski slopes: 1.2 km
- Nearest public bus stop: 100 m
- Nearest ski bus stop: 100 m
- Ski school: 1.2 km
- No disabled access
Facilities
- Hot tub
- Fireplace
- Ski store
- Boot warming rack
- Garden / Surrounding Land
- Terrace
- Balcony
Kitchen
- Oven: Fan-assisted
- Hob: Ceramic
- Dining seating for: 14
- Place settings for: 16
- Children’s crockery / tableware
- Baby's high chair
- Blender
- Microwave
- Booster/junior seat for use at a dining table
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Coffee Machine
- Dishwasher
- Raclette set
- Fondue set
- Kettle
- Toaster
Bathrooms / Laundry
- Baby bath
- Baby step
- Baby changing table / mat
- Non slip mat
- Potty
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Hair Dryer
Bedrooms
- Baby's cot
- Baby/children’s bed linen
Garden / Surrounding Land
- Flat garden
- Outdoor dining table for: 14
- Outdoor dining seating for: 14
- BBQ: Charcoal
- Parasol
- Garden chairs/sun loungers: 6
- Garden / Surrounding Land: 100 m2
- Terrace: 40 m2
- Sledges
Hot tub
- Outdoor hot tub
- Capacity: 6
- Temperature: 38 ºC
- Towels provided for the hot tub
Entertainment
- Table tennis
- Table football
- Board games
- Indoor children's games
- French TV
- Total TV screens: 3
- DVD player + films
Miscellaneous
- Fan
- Vacuum cleaner
- Iron
- Boot warming rack
- Internet access
- Free WiFi internet
- Internet download speed: 7 Mpbs
- Stair gates
- Locked cupboard for cleaning products
- Wine cellar
Local places of interest / Within easy reach
- Mountain
- Countryside
- River
- Open view
- Village
- Lake: 31.5 km
- Train station: 38 km
- Nearest public bus stop: 100 m
- Nearest supermarket: 1.1 km
Activities nearby
- Cinema
- Night club
- Fishing
- Golf
- Heritage sites
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Paragliding
- Rafting
- Horse riding
- Road biking
- Sailing
- Ice skating
- Skiing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Adventure park
- Mountain biking
- Water sports
- Windsurfing
Inclusions & Restrictions
- Linen provided
- Bath mats provided
- Bath towels provided
- Hand towels provided
- Tea towels provided
- Elec, heat, water provided
- Firewood provided
- Car recommended
- Animals welcome
- Non-smoking rental
Please Note
WARNING : a chalet is being built next door to the property. The work started during summer 2022 and will hopefully be finished before summer 2023. Make sure to contact us prior booking if you need any more details.
Please note: There is a short steep section of road just before you reach / just as you leave the chalet. To clear this section and to be able to move around the resort safely you need winter tyres and /or snow chains (and know how to use them).
If you are flying in and picking up a hire car, please check that chains or winter tyres are included before you set off.
IMPORTANT : although the property is pet friendly, you will have to pay an extra fee of 100 euros on arrival for cleaning purpose if you bring your pet.
Large Groups: Chalet Tolar is located close to Chalet des Mômes. Book both to accommodate groups of up to 22 people.
Other properties you might like...
Chalet Tolar...
The spacious, family-friendly Chalet Tolar, in Chinaillon, Le Grand Bornand, is a great choice for large groups planning a mountain holiday with young children.
Formerly known as Chalet Etoile, this popular property is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of the village, where you will find a good choice of shops and restaurants, as well as the ski lifts. If you'd rather not walk, the ski bus stops regularly just 100 m from the door.
One of the more unusual features of Chalet Tolar is its large flat garden - a real treat in the mountains! It comes with the added bonus of a hot tub and stunning views. However, families with young children should be aware there is a steep bank between the garden and the river.
IMPORTANT : although the property is pet friendly, you will have to pay an extra fee of 100 euros on arrival for cleaning purpose if you bring your pet.
About the property...
Chalet Tolar, formerly Chalet Etoile, has plenty of space for 14 guests, with the main accommodation over two floors.
The main open plan living area is on the ground floor. Here you'll find three comfy sofas where you and your group can spend pleasant evenings around the fireplace.
There's a large dining table so that you can eat together, and a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar. There's also a useful office area.
There's a large bedroom on the ground floor, with a sofa and television, as well as an en suite bathroom with a bath and shower over, and a separate toilet. You'll also find a kit room on this floor with a boot warmer and plenty of room for storage.
The rest of the bedrooms are on the first floor. The master bedroom has a king size bed, a dressing room and an en suite bathroom. There's also access to the balcony with great views - the perfect way to start the day.
There are three more bedrooms on the first floor: another double room with access to the balcony; then two large family rooms; one with a double and twin beds, and a delightful family room which has a double bed and two single beds, each built into their own curtained cabin - it's a magical space for young children!. This floor also has a separate shower room and a separate toilet.
The basement at Chalet Tolar is mostly unfinished, but there is a useful laundry and a space with a table tennis table, which guests are welcome to use.
Chalet Tolar has earned our Cool 4 Kids Extra status, so you can be assured that all the equipment you need for babies and young children is available, as well as a selection of toys, books and games. Le Grand Bornand also has the Famille Plus mark, which means there is a great programme of activities and entertainment for young visitors.
About the area...
Chalet Tolar is about 1,2km from the ski lift at Chinaillon, but if you’d rather save your energy for the slopes, the ski bus stops outside the chalet every 15 minutes, and it's just two stops to the pistes.
With your Aravis ski pass, you’ve got all the Lake Annecy ski resorts (Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Manigod) at your disposal - more than 200km of perfect pistes. Even closer is a great sledge run and the start of the cross-country ski piste. Beginners in this sport will love the nearby Evo Nordic Park, which has a circuit featuring a variety of terrains, while boarders will appreciate the Snowpark.
Non-skiers can go ice-skating in Le Grand Bornand or La Clusaz. If guests prefer swimming try the heated indoor and outdoor pools in La Clusaz which are open all year round, or try snowshoeing, sledging, dog-sledding and sleigh rides.
At the end of a busy day, head back to your cosy chalet where there's nothing more magical than unwinding in the hot tub, while the snow falls around you.
In the summer, a network of walking and biking trails cover the mountains around Chalet Tolar, and you can pick up a route map for either at the tourist office in Chinaillon. For those who want to test their cycling stamina, the nearby Col de la Colombiere regularly features in the Tour de France.The stunning swimming pool complex at Le Grand Bornand has a lovely grassy area where you can enjoy a picnic, or a cafe on site.
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, there’s a climbing school, via ferrata routes, a tree-top adventure park, canyoning, white-water rafting and paragliding all nearby.
The medieval town of Annecy is a must for a day out, whatever the season. It offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, galleries and museums, and Lake Annecy, said to be the cleanest lake in Europe, is a great place for watersports, swimming, cycling or just relaxing on the beach.
August sees the International Children’s Festival in Le Grand Bornand - a week of puppet shows, circus acts and workshops, with a grand firework finale. You’re in the heart of Reblochon country, so on your travels don’t forget to pick up some of this delicious cheese from a local farm or market!
What next?
If you'd like to book Chalet Tolar for your next mountain holiday, check your dates against our availability calendar. If you need a little time to check things with the rest of your group, we can hold the date for 24 hours, But don't leave it too long - you risk missing out on this great Alpine property!
“Ideal for families and friends!”
— Virginie B.
“Ideal location for this great chalet”
— Yann D.
“The hot-tub and the great views!”
— Chantal A.
Features
- Hot tub
- Amazing views
- Luxury property
- Secluded location
- Cool for kids
- Fireplace
- More
Inclusions
- Free WiFi
- Linen and towels provided
- Firewood provided
- Animals welcome
- Non-smoking rental
- Car recommended
- More
- Check-in: after 16h00
- Check-out: before 10h00
Full list of features, inclusions, activities, nearby points of interest and special conditions:
Cancellation
For bookings cancelled at least 6 months before the start of the stay, the deposit will be refunded. For a cancellation after this, any amounts already paid will be forfeited.
Property tour
Virtual tour
Floor plans
Video
Location
Le Grand Bornand
Click map for full-screen interactive version
Why Le Grand Bornand?
Le Grand Bornand is an idyllic Alpine village which happens to be surrounded by some great skiing and in summer, a superb mountain playground.
There are none of the huge hotel complexes you'll find in other ski resorts – just a friendly welcome all year round.
Families are particularly welcome, with a great programme of activities to keep kids of all ages busy and happy.
Getting around
- Ski slopes1.2 km
- Ski school1.2 km
- Nearest ski bus stop100 m
- Town centre1.1 km
- Nearest supermarket1.1 km
- Nearest public bus stop100 m
The OVO Network Review
“A great choice for family holidays in the French Alps”
Chalet Tolar is a short walk away from Chinaillon, and it's just two stops on the ski bus to the pistes. The chalet is surrounded by stunning views (especially from the hot tub), and has some cool family rooms too!
This 200m2 chalet has five bedrooms, and three bathrooms to accommodate 14 guests over two floors. (The third floor hasn't been developed yet, at the moment it houses the laundry room and a table tennis table, table football and a dart board which guests are welcome to use.)
Chalet Tolar is ideal for those who want to spread out and relax with families and friends. It's close enough to the pistes and village of Chinaillon for non-skiing guests to enjoy either a 10-minute walk or a short bus ride into the village, or, to link up with the green run up onto the ski fields while the skiers are out enjoying the fun on the hillside. Everyone could even meet up for lunch!
The 40m2 lounge area on the main communal floor is comfortable, spacious and wrapped around the fireplace. It's also open plan so the chef need never feel left out.
Food prep or an apero around the breakfast bar can get every evening off to a good start!
We especially love that two of the five bedrooms have extra beds so families of four, friends or cousins can share. Two of the bedrooms are en suite, and there are a couple of extra independent WCs too.
Another bedroom has a comfy sofa with a second TV and room for kids to play with toys. Chalet Tolar has gained our Cool 4 Kids Extra status.
The outdoor space is equally as important as the indoors at Chalet Tolar, with a gorgeous hot tub set into the bank, a flat garden, a sun trap terrace with dining table, and stunning views in every direction.
The chalet could be a great spot for cyclists, and climbers too - the Via Ferrata at Chinaillon boasts fantastic views across the Aravis and beyond. The Col de la Colombiere is legendary in cycling circles.
Plus there is plenty of space to store kit securely at the chalet.
Chalet Tolar won't suit guests who demand en suite facilities just yet; the owners do plan to develop the third floor eventually.
There's also a steep bank off the edge of the flat garden, which parents of youngsters would need to keep an eye on.
Don't just take our word for it, check out the photos and imagine your family and friends at this great location.
What is the OVO Network Review?
We visit the property and write an unbiased review. What’s good? What’s not so good? We’ll help you find the right chalet for you.
From the owner
We built Chalet Tolar (originally called Chalet Etoile) in 2008, when our three children were small. We dreamt of a classic wooden chalet in the snow, a place we could call home, and where we could ski, make friends, spend time with family.
We have made some fantastic friends both local and other chalet owners, and since 2008 have loved returning as often as we can both in winter and summer.We started our chalet hunt in Switzerland, then the Les Portes du Soleil, and finally, on the recommendation of friends, we came to Le Grand Bornand.
From the first moment we drove into the village, we knew we had found a very special place. A few weeks later we got a call about a new chalet that was about to be built.
We flew over, looked at a square of grass and the rest is history. We love spending time in the chalet and exploring the mountains – we never get bored of all it has to offer. In Autumn the walks are magnificent.
In summer the blue skies, alpine pastures full of the sound of cow bells, walks, markets, cycling and lazy days by Lake Annecy.
In winter… wow, the warm and welcoming chalet covered in snow, twinkling lights, and of course the skiing. After a hard days skiing we return to a warm and cosy chalet full of fun and laughter, the perfect environment for relaxing in front of the fire with a drink or two… What more could we/you want?
We had a few basic requirements from any chalet we bought, we looked for a chalet that would:• sleep 10 people (2 families of five) comfortably without feeling on top of each other.• be within walking distance of shops and restaurants and the pistes• be light, airy and spacious, while also being cosy and warm• have a garden, or at least a big terrace• have a BIG view• an open plan ground floor that was the social hub of the chalet (I don’t like to be hidden in a small kitchen when all the fun is going on elsewhere!)When it came to furnishing the chalet, comfort and space were a priority (we had spent too many holidays in rental houses with uncomfortable beds, poorly equipped kitchens, no hi-fi let alone Wi-Fi etc.) we wanted our chalet to be extremely comfortable, with all the facilities we would expect at home.Chalet Tolar ticks all the boxes, and now with the addition in 2019 of a hot tub it is, in our view, perfect.
We struggle with a constant dilemma; we want to tell everyone and shout from the rooftops about how wonderful the Aravis area is. The wonderful skiing in Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz, the Snowpark, the often empty slopes, the wonderful locals we have met, the fact that you can still buy a burger and chips on the mountain for less than 10 euros, the summers, the biking, Lake Annecy and so much more… But then we stop and think about the peace and tranquillity, the lack of queues, the friendly bars and restaurants, the lack of big tour groups, the wonderful skiing, the friendly locals …… and we say nothing! It is our secret.
Two of our children have been to Whistler to train as ski instructors. Our fear was that they would come back thinking Le Grand Bornand was not quite up to the dizzy heights of one of the worlds premier ski resorts… but we shouldn’t have worried, they love it even more than before.From the first day we arrived at chalet Tolar with my sister and her family, the chalet has been full of fun and laughter, friends, family and wonderful memories.If you would like to try a ski holiday in a traditional village with a heart (and more cows than people) where local traditions and modern life exist in harmony, we would love to welcome you to Chalet Tolar.To avoid any confusion on the internet or anywhere else, our chalet has been known for 10 years as Chalet Etoile. Why Tolar? That is a good question.
We recently changed the name to Chalet Tolar.
The Tolar piste is our favourite! Each morning we head up the Floria lift and a decision must be made, which way to go, the shout is usually “Tolar”, and off we go.… Our children have been known to challenge each other to the “No Turn Tolar” – not to be recommended!
Harriet, James, Izzy, Ted and George.
Who is the owner?
OVO Network is the official booking partner for Chalet Tolar.
Your booking will be made directly with Harriet & James, who will also take and hold your payment until your arrival.
- Property owner:
- Harriet & James
- Trusted partner since:
- 2019
- Completed bookings:
- 33
Every stay includes
WiFi
Personal greeting
Welcome basket
Local tips & concierge
Linen & towels
Sparkling cleaning
Guest reviews
“Ideal for families and friends!”
Warm and cosy chalet, very well equipped. Ideal for families and friends. Large living areas and just as many spaces for peace and quiet.
— Virginie B. Feb 2023
“Ideal location for this great chalet”
This place is designed for worry-free holidays.Thank you Mike for your availability and your kindness.
— Yann D. Feb 2023
“The hot-tub and the great views!”
The chalet is really well oriented, sunny all day long. We enjoyed time in the hot tub with the great view. Free bus shuttle 100m from the chalet. Very practical room to store shoes, skis, etc. We had a great stay.
— Chantal A. Jan 2023
“After 3 years of waiting, we weren't disappointed!”
Chalet Tolar is beautifully set up as a home away from home. It's spacious, comfortable and has everything you could need. A lovely view and aspect from the garden, too. The hot tub was a great bonus for both the kids and the adults. Loved it all! After almost three years of waiting to come to Chalet Tolar (due to pandemic disruption), our expectations were pretty high for this holiday. We weren't disappointed.
— Anna H. Aug 2022
“Perfect for large groups”
We had a wonderful time in Chalet Tolar. Plenty of space with 14 people. The communication was very good, clear and fast. The house was amazing, the facilities in the house were great, everything we needed was available. We highly recommend this chalet and will hopefully come back.
— Bram V. Jan 2022
“Great stay!”
Everything went very well. The chalet was clean and functional. The manager was accommodating and communicated well before arrival.
— Quentin D. Jul 2021
