The Hotel Hameau Albert 1er.
Biography of the hotel
The human adventure of the Hameau Albert 1er is such that the term "biography" naturally replaces "history" when it comes to evoking what these five generations of passionate individuals have envisioned to transform a modest hotel into a five-star hamlet. Perrine Carrier satisfies our desire to delve into the narrative of this beautiful family saga.
“My great-great-grandfather, Joseph Carrier, a grocer, and stagecoach relay owner, witnessed the arrival of the railway in Chamonix in 1902. In response to this development, he decided to build the house you are currently in, which he named "Pension du Chemin de fer" at the time. It was a small and rudimentary hotel, located near the train station, and only open during the summer.”
When Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Pension du Chemin de fer equipped itself with heating to take advantage of the mountain's tourist development during another season. Albert I, King of the Belgians, and an experienced mountaineer, became a regular visitor to Chamonix. After his death in 1934 and following a brief management period by someone from Milan during the Moroccan War, my great-grandfather, François-Joseph, renamed the establishment "Hotel Albert 1er et de Milan."
A generation later, it was my grandparents, Marcel, and André Carrier, who took the reins of the hotel. Marcel succeeded his mother Clothilde in the kitchen and earned a Michelin star in 1967. In 1979, my father, Pierre Carrier (son of Marcel), took over in the kitchen. In 1997, together with my mother Martine, they built three traditional wooden farmhouses comprising twelve rooms, a wellness area with a pool and spa, and La Maison Carrier, a restaurant showcasing local cuisine. Thus, the Hameau Albert 1er was born.
In 1999, Pierre Carrier successfully obtained his second Michelin star, showcasing his exceptional culinary talent. Moreover, the Hameau Albert 1er became a part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux chain, renowned for its exquisite properties and high standards of hospitality. This affiliation further elevated the Hameau Albert 1er's reputation as a distinguished establishment.
In 2011, the hotel obtained a 5-star classification.
Pierre Maillet succeeded my father as the head chef of the gourmet restaurant Albert 1er until the autumn of 2018. Today, Damien Leveau, former sous chef of Pierre Maillet, is the one leading the kitchen of our gourmet restaurant, offering you the opportunity to discover his culinary world and expertise that has earned him a Michelin star.
As for me, the fifth generation of the family, I joined the adventure in 2002, and I am delighted to continue writing the history of Hameau Albert 1er.
In perpetual motion, the adventure of the Hameau Albert 1er is, more than ever, a reflection of this family that, for five generations, draws its strength from self-questioning to always aim higher.
Perrine Carrier, general director of the Hameau Albert 1er.
Family history
From 1903 to 2023…120 years have passed as if by magic! The humble Pension of the Le Chemin de Fer has transformed into an exceptional domain where one can live well and be pampered, the Hameau Albert 1er.
Five generations have been dedicated to enriching this beautiful family heritage. Undoubtedly, the secret to this exemplary success lies in giving meaning to every revolution or creation.
Having joined the prestigious group of Relais & Châteaux in 1999, Albert 1er, as a pioneer in terms of layout and decorations in the mountain world, cultivates the art of bringing its values to the pinnacle of luxury hospitality. This achievement led to the hotel being awarded its fifth star in 2011.
It is up to you to fully enjoy the multiple charms of this Chamonix institution. At Hameau Albert 1er, you have the choice between different styles of accommodations that, without overshadowing the environment, echo it in the selection of furniture, objects, artworks, materials, and colors.
Each room or suite meticulously refines the interior architecture and decor to create a rustic atmosphere with old wood in the “La Ferme” building or a more streamlined ambiance at Albert 1er. It is a subtle blend of daring color accents and neutral tones, a harmonious marriage between high-end design and charming antique Savoyard furniture, paintings and engravings, and artisanal objects, all chosen with taste, just like the beautiful books in the libraries that guests will take pleasure in reading or flipping through during their stay. Here, the family collections are displayed and discovered during your stay, providing each space with a unique soul, and adding true value for the pleasure of the eyes. The modernity and elegance of the rooms, suites, and chalets, along with their originality, result from a subtle harmony of times, born out of a rich culture of Alpine heritage and design.
