A typical mountain village in the Swiss Valais, Grimentz is undergoing major development that is perfectly respectful of the environment and the art of living it has managed to preserve. Guernerés Exclusive Lodge and le Hameau des Bains are set to make the area a destination that embodies the authentic luxury so much in demand today. A program initiated and managed by Groupe Comptoir Immobilier and marketed by FGP Swiss & Alps.
Text: Marie Le Berre
Considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, Grimentz turned to tourism as early as the 1930s, before it became its main focus of development from the late 1960s onwards. However, it has escaped mass tourism and remained true to itself, preserving its old-world charm and centuries-old buildings such as the Maison de Grand-Maman, an astonishing 4-storey building with cellars dating from 1529, the Caves Blanches, a former summer and hunting residence built in 1850, and the raccards (wheat barns) typical of the Valais. Strolling through the narrow streets is made all the more pleasant by the fact that the balconies are adorned with geraniums in bloom throughout the summer season. In July and August, you’re sure to discover local produce at the weekly market, with entertainment on a different theme every Friday.
Perched at an altitude of almost 1,600 meters in the Val d’Anniviers, surrounded by the five majestic peaks of “La Couronne Impériale”, Grimentz is a winter sports resort that enjoys exceptional snow cover from December to April and offers a 115-kilometer network of 48 downhill ski runs. According to National Geographic, Grimentz is the best ski village in the Alps for families and, according to CNN’s 2022 ranking, one of Europe’s 3 most beautiful Alpine resorts. In summer, some 100 kilometers of hiking trails take over. And don’t forget the many facilities and amenities that allow you to enjoy all the pleasures of the mountains in winter and summer alike.
Guernerés Exclusive Lodge, between the village and the slopes
Grimentz is also a preferred location for Groupe Comptoir Immobilier, a company run by the Epiney family, natives of the region, who are committed to the long-term future of the site. The village was ideally suited to hosting the Guernerés Exclusive Lodge and its ski-in ski-out concept in exceptional conditions. The project currently under construction comprises 16 chalets (36 units ranging in size from 64 m2 to 324 m2 ) and 40 apartments (from 2-room 54 m2 to 7-room 158 m2 ) in a residence featuring top-of-the-range hotel services, including a restaurant, swimming pool, spa, ski room and concierge service. The apartments currently available for purchase will be available for rental in late 2024, early 2025.
At Guernerés Exclusive Lodge, you’ll recognize the characteristic architecture of the Val d’Anniviers through a contemporary interpretation that’s most respectful of the environment. Like those in the old village of Grimentz, the chalets offer uninterrupted views over the valley. The use of noble materials, such as old wood and dry stone, will reinforce the harmony with nature. The preservation of natural resources will be guaranteed by sustainable design and high energy performance standards. In particular, heating will be provided by individual pellet systems made from local wood.
For Groupe Comptoir Immobilier, it’s all about creating a perfect harmony between local identity and modern, high-standard comfort. Everything has been designed to offer an exclusive, prestigious experience, on a site naturally destined for the blossoming of the art of living. Located just 40 minutes’ drive from Sion and 2 hours from Geneva, the village of Grimentz also boasts a heliport, an exceptional opportunity to develop a VIP transport service.
Hameau des Bains, on the edge of the forest
Even more ambitious, and this time on the edge of the forest, the Hameau des Bains project will see the light of day very soon and is built around a historic Grimentz hotel. The aim is to diversify living spaces and services as much as possible, to meet all expectations but always, of course, with the utmost respect for the local habitat and surrounding nature. The project includes apartments in tourist residences with hotel services (63 apartments), chalets and apartments (40 lots) and the renovated hotel with around 25 rooms, a restaurant with regional specialties, a lounge bar and the aqua park that gives the Hameau its name, all with services worthy of a palace.
The aqualudic area features a vast outdoor swimming pool where you can take full advantage of the view of the majestic peaks of “La Couronne Impériale”. Inside, the spa will multiply the benefits of water from an exclusive and as yet unexploited mineral source – indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sensory shower, hammam and sauna. As for the fitness room, it will be at your disposal to keep in shape or prepare for intense efforts in skiing, mountain biking or hiking.
Comptoir Immobilier Group
Serving private and institutional customers, the Comptoir Immobilier group is active in a wide range of fields (property management, co-ownership, sales, real estate project management, commercial real estate, commercial and residential rentals, prestige and investment real estate), with the strength of its roots in French-speaking Switzerland and a national service offering. The parent company, whose origins date back to 1825, was taken over by Paul Epiney and André L’Huillier in 1988. Mr. Epiney then initiated a new family history, welcoming his son Quentin Epiney to the company in 2011, who is now an active member of General Management and the Board of Directors. Together they became co-founders of the Forbes Global Properties network in 2020, an alliance of prestigious international real estate companies for which their subsidiary FGP Swiss & Alps is the exclusive representative for Switzerland and the French Alps. This entity manages a collection of prestigious properties, characterized by exclusivity and excellence. Although based in Geneva, the managing family is originally from the Val d’Anniviers, which explains their particular attachment to the Grimentz projects.