Les Gentianettes

The story

Les Gentianettes in Châtel: Savoyard cuisine with Michelin recognition in Haute-Savoie

Les Gentianettes: A Family Affair in the Abondance Valley

In the heart of the Portes du Soleil, between Châtel and Abondance, Les Gentianettes is a 4-star chalet-hotel and restaurant run by the Trincaz family since 1994. Chef Claude Trincaz leads the kitchen, crafting dishes that draw on the traditions of Savoyard cuisine and the produce of the Haute-Savoie region. The restaurant’s consistent quality has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition woven into the daily life of this family-run establishment.

The story began with Nathalie and Claude Trincaz, who built the hotel out of a love for the calm, warm spirit of the valley. Over the years, the family has expanded and refined the property, adding a spa, a children’s area, and a second restaurant, La Baratte – Alpine Brasserie, which specialises in Savoyard cheese dishes. The restaurant at Les Gentianettes itself offers a semi-gastronomic menu that balances French elegance with local mountain flavours.

Alpine Atmosphere and Savoyard Flavours

The dining room, renovated with wood and noble materials, reflects the character of a traditional Savoyard chalet. The atmosphere is welcoming, built for families, couples, and groups alike. The restaurant serves dinner, with a set lunch menu available, and offers wine pairing to complement the Chef’s seasonal dishes.

The second generation is now involved: Sandrine, the eldest daughter, runs Le Jolla, a family restaurant on the shores of Lake Geneva, while the original restaurant continues to evolve under the family’s steady hand. The kitchen’s focus remains on the pure, bold flavours of the Alps — think raclette, rosti, and local charcuterie — executed with precision.

A Michelin-Recommended Alpine Experience

Les Gentianettes’ Michelin Recommended status speaks to the consistency of its cooking and the warmth of its service. It is a place where the food is rooted in place, the service is personal, and the setting — a quiet mountain village just minutes from the ski slopes and hiking trails — is genuinely restorative. Whether you come for a winter ski holiday or a summer escape, the restaurant is the heart of the experience.