{"id":97965,"date":"2026-07-06T22:32:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T20:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/?p=97965"},"modified":"2026-07-20T19:05:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T17:05:04","slug":"a-gourmet-stop-and-a-cosy-nest-in-haute-tarentaise-the-manager-of-the-hospice-du-petit-saint-bernard-has-opened-her-doors-to-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/une-halte-gourmande-et-un-nid-douillet-en-haute-tarentaise-la-gerante-de-lhospice-du-petit-saint-bernard-nous-a-ouvert-ses-portes\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00abGourmet stop,\u00bb \u00abcosy nest\u00bb: in Haute Tarentaise, the manager of the refuge-restaurant at the Hospice du Petit Saint-Bernard opened her doors to us"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At the summit of the Little Saint Bernard Pass, on the border of France and Italy, on a pass traversed by humans since prehistoric times, a grand stone building has watched over travellers for almost a thousand years.\u2019<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psbernard.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hospice du Petit Saint-Bernard<\/a>, managed by the Communaut\u00e9 de Communes de Haute Tarentaise, long ruined then resurrected, reopened its doors this June 1st for the summer season.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>READ OUR SPECIAL REPORT :&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/high-tarentaise\/\">Haute Tarentaise, \u00abthe roof of Savoie\u00bb<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In charge for six years of the inn-restaurant section, Sophie Bornet perpetuates a centuries-old tradition of hospitality there, in a resolutely family spirit. <em>\u00abWhat's interesting is that it brings together several of my passions: mountains, cooking, meeting people.\u00bb <\/em>does she trust in<a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/\"> Le Petit Montagnard<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From a Chartreuse farm to the roof of the Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing truly predestined this enthusiast to reign over a mountain pass at an altitude of 2,188 metres. Sophie Bornet, who was initially trained in agriculture, was a cheesemaker on a large farm in Is\u00e8re, in the Chartreuse region, then a technical advisor for Beaufort, before going it alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>READ MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/why-does-everyone-stop-at-the-petit-saint-bernard-pass-in-the-summer-now-and-stay-there\/\">Why does everyone now stop at the Petit-Saint-Bernard pass in the summer (and stay there)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u00abIt was complicated in the farming world. So I bought a small property, transformed it into a restaurant, and proclaimed myself chef.\u00bb<\/em> she would smile. It will be <em>Sophie's World<\/em>, around twenty covers at Aime-la-Plagne, which she ran for six years before going to hone her skills with other chefs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then comes the proposal that changes everything. <em>\u00abThe friends of Petit Saint-Bernard, who were managing the building at the time, asked me if I was interested in coming as the manager. I didn't know the place, so I took the keys and went up.\u00bb <\/em>Six years later, she's still there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home cooking between two countries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the plates, Sophie Bornet cultivates her attachment to good produce, a legacy of her agricultural roots. The intentionally concise menu highlights both sides of the pass: the famous <em>\u00abcollar plates\u00bb<\/em> brings together charcuterie from Savoie and the Aosta Valley, a gourmet nod to this unique border position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At lunchtime, it's time for generous cuisine, inspired by producers from the Tarentaise and Aosta Valley. But it's in her signature menu that the chef truly tells her story. <em>\u00abIt\u2019s 100 % of creativity, depending on the products I find at the markets and what takes my fancy.\u00bb <\/em>she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the menu recently: gazpacho with focaccia, or a locally sourced pork shoulder slow-cooked overnight at 80 degrees, prepared with Asian flavours and wrapped in filo pastry for crispiness, served with sesame, star anise and cinnamon rice, and a carrot pur\u00e9e infused with orange blossom water. <em>\u00abI like to have fun, I like to create. Here, anything is possible.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A human-sized shelter, open to the whole world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the building is immense, the establishment itself remains intimate: six rooms, including a dormitory, for a total of thirty beds. A format that Sophie Bornet stands by. <em>\u00abI feel good there because it's small and I stay in touch with my clients.\u00bb<\/em> she glides. And what customers! <em>\u00abI've never seen an establishment that caters to so many different types of clientele.\u00bb <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passing hikers, families taking over the lodge for a family reunion, groups on seminars, elected officials meeting in the European room (the building is now jointly owned by the Aosta Valley and Savoie), and travellers from all over the world mingle there, echoing the original purpose of the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ever since the time of Abbot Chanoux, <em>\u00abthe angel of the mountain\u00bb<\/em> Here, hospitality has been provided for half a century, and the spirit remains unchanged: to offer lodgings and food to those passing through the pass. A philosophy that Sophie Bornet hopes will continue, as a renovation project is being considered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>READ MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/new-routes-passes-closed-to-cars-the-haute-tarentaise-is-the-new-paradise-for-cycling-enthusiasts-this-summer\/\">New routes, roads closed to cars\u2026 Haute-Tarentaise, a new cycling paradise this summer?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u00abThe family-friendly and convivial aspect must remain. We mustn't follow the example of most establishments by turning towards luxury. That would be more true to the original purpose for which this building was constructed.\u00bb <\/em>And to conclude, with the humility of those who know the mountain is greater than themselves.<em> \u00abI'm only passing through. The project isn't for me, it's for the building and for the travellers.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Find out more :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Opening :<\/strong> from 1 June to mid-October (depending on the pass opening dates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Table:<\/strong> Home-style cooking at lunchtime (local dishes, produce from the Tarentaise and Aosta Valley), half-board in the evening, dinner available on reservation subject to availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation :<\/strong> Overnight stay with half-board from \u20ac65 per person in a dormitory, \u20ac75 to \u20ac124 in a private room (free for under 2s, \u20ac50 for 3-10 year olds).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Groups &amp; privatisation:<\/strong> Guesthouse or reception room available for private hire for up to 100 guests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> \u00abAccueil V\u00e9lo\u00bb labelled, partner of the Route des Grandes Alpes, cycle hire and charging points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bookings :<\/strong> <a href=\"mailto:auberge.psbernard@orange.fr\">auberge.psbernard@orange.fr<\/a> 06 84 52 63 09<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At the summit of the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, on the border of France and Italy, on a pass used by humans since prehistoric times, a large stone building has been watching over travellers for nearly a thousand years. The Hospice du Petit Saint-Bernard, managed by the Community of Communes of Haute Tarentaise, long in ruins then<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":97971,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[65,327,254,572,581],"class_list":["post-97965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bons-plans","tag-a-la-une","tag-alpes-du-nord","tag-bons-plans","tag-haute-tarentaise","tag-haute-tarentaise-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97965"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98175,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97965\/revisions\/98175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}