Le Châtelet International Artist Residency encourages the exchange ideas and invites the artist to explore their passion for their work in a supporting environment. The venue, in the heart of the French Alps, is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.  A region of visual and intellectual inspiration, it is full of positive energy. There are stunning lake and mountain scenes, local fauna and flora including an amazing variety of wild flowers, colourful local markets, and ancient historical buildings. We welcome submissions from artists (painter, sculptor, writer, photographer, film-maker or other) for stays of two weeks to three months from the beginning of May to the end of October annually.

Le Châtelet is located close to the borders of Switzerland, Italy and Germany in the French Alps of Haute-Savoie, just over one hour from Geneva airport or train station, or 25 minutes Thonon-les-Bains SNCF train station on Lake Geneva. It is also easily accessible by car and there is ample parking in the grounds. The chalet itself, surrounded by farmland, is on the site of a medieval fortified castle already in ruin by 1555. Bonnevaux is part of an agricultural cheese-making community in the ski area of the Portes du Soleil. The whole area, called Le Chablais, is steeped in history of Old Europe with its ancient buildings.

Apart from the impressive mountains with their lakes, reached by numerous tracks and paths, at the chalet there is an 18m2 southwest facing balcony adjacent to the sitting room, and an acre of grounds with a 360° uninterrupted mountain panorama. Shared studio space is located in an open outbuilding and all these areas are at the artists’ disposal, including the barn workshop. Other common studio space is a huge, light 1000ft2 room in the former village school, within walking distance.

Our casual open days at the end of each month are located in one of the appropriate municipal venues of the commune, which is advertised in the regional papers, and other artists and local press are invited. Depending on the project, we can organise a presentation in the village hall with a translator.

Artists are accommodated in our luxury eco-chalet on the edge of the tranquil hamlet of Bonnevaux on a self-catered basis; one of four private bedrooms are available plus a single bed annex with shower. There is a shared living area, kitchen facilities and laundry. For those without transport, we can offer a weekly trip to the supermarket. The nearest town of Abondance has shops, cafés and restaurants and is 5kms from the chalet, accessible on foot or by bus.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact us via email or telephone.  You will be required to choose the accommodation and each bedroom is has its own special characteristics, which is reflected in different subsidised tariffs. Prices depend on the bedroom chosen, given in EUROS for one person, from 300€ to 800€ for two weeks, or 550€ to1500€ for one month. Discover the BEDROOMS with pricing detailed on the APPLICATION FORM. An additional non-participating person in a double bedroom (partner/child): 250€ per 2 weeks/500€ per month. Towels and linen are provided and rooms are cleaned once per week. Occasional evening meals can be requested in advance (20€ for two courses, or 30€ three courses with wine).

We would also be happy to assist in organising courses (either catered or self-catered – pricing to be agreed) and there is additional accommodation in Bonnevaux for larger numbers. Course participants could also take part in the end of month exhibition/presentation.