Let me introduce myself: I am the Chicken Barn ! We are a cluster of four small chalets, each built from reclaimed old wood from former farms. Below, you will find our animal companions - chickens, ponies, sheep, goats, ducks, and rabbits. Above, two haylofts feature rooms where visitors can experience a night close to the animals. One of the barn includes a seminar room, while the last one recreates a small alpine chalet designed for children. Together, we tell the story of the close relationship between humans and animals, who have coexisted side by side since immemorial time.
In a masterful blend of tradition and modernity, discover the Bars, charming havens where history comes alive under a new light. Created by the craftsman Bernard Vallélian, each barn is a unique work of art, crafted from recycled materials that preserve heritage while offering an authentic and innovative experience. These historical constructions breathe new life into dismantled wood and old facades of former barns, brought together to create four new spaces. Within this collection of four buildings, visitors are invited to explore a world where nature and culture meet in harmony. Each barn serves a distinct purpose.
Each of them features a small shed with composting toilets and a sink, located under the stairs, providing ecological and environmentally friendly comfort. While the upper floors lack running water, they are equipped with electricity for lighting. During the winter months, guests have access to showers located in Bovino, while in the summer, an outdoor shower/bathtub and additional facilities on the ground floor of Bovino are available.
Barn 1
The first barn encountered on the site is dedicated to children. On the ground floor, ducks and rabbits can be petted by the little ones. Upstairs, a mini alpine chalet is set up to pay homage to alpine life, now an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. It allows children to explore and understand the workings of alpine chalets of the past, featuring a miniature fireplace nook, a small cheese press, and other spaces where milk was skimmed overnight and placed in bins, offering an engaging and educational experience. Traditional cheese-making classes for children can even be organized. Outside of classes, children can play with simulated tools and materials to recreate various processes.
Barn 2
This 25 m² barn is dedicated to adult education. On the ground floor, a stable houses sheep and goats. Upstairs, a seminar room can accommodate up to 12 seated guests. One wall features a physical periodic table of elements, with each element represented in a glass bulb. This setup allows the wall to be used for training, such as illuminating specific elements during discussions on Schussler salts. It serves as a genuine alchemical space where experiments can also be conducted. This barn has already found its donor.
Barn 3
This barn is devoted to art and includes an accommodation room. On the ground floor, you’ll find a chicken coop with heritage breeds. Artists can stay in this barn and nurture their creativity through writing, painting, or other artistic processes. The area is dedicated to creativity, offering a retreat where every element can be tailored to individual needs.
Barn 4
This barn provides a return-to-basics experience. On the ground floor is the pony stable. Upstairs, a bedroom is heated by the warmth generated by the ponies. It illustrates the historical aspect, offering an authentic experience with an old bed and other period elements. This experience connects us to Bovino, which also harnesses the warmth of animals but with modern infrastructure.