Creating a luxury Ecolodge: From a Chance Encounter to the Birth of “instants d’Absolu”

An unexpected meeting on the slopes of Megève

True adventures rarely start where you expect them. Ours began on skis, in January 2007. We were living in Megève at the time.
[CONFIDENCE from Laurence:
That Saturday, between two downhill runs, I met Pierre. As we shared stories of our travels from South Africa to Alaska, Pierre suddenly exclaimed: “If you love wild nature, you would adore Lac du Pêcher!”

He insisted. Without knowing it, he had just planted the seed for our life’s work: creating a luxury ecolodge on the shores of a forgotten lake in the heart of the Cantal mountains. A place “alone in the world,” where the nearest neighbor is miles away.

Falling in love with a “World’s End” in Auvergne

Intrigued, we investigated. We discovered that the inn by the lake had closed and was up for sale. Why was such a “wonder of the world” no longer operating? As tourism professionals, it made no sense to us.

Two months later, we hit the road. A five-hour journey to the edge of the Auvergne region. Arriving via a small winding road, the shock was immediate. In front of us: a vast volcanic landscape, endless horizons, and a stone building made of lava rock. Our reaction was spontaneous: “This is an ecolodge!”. The site was not yet though a protected Natural Area in the heart of the Volcanoes Park. But everything felt ready for a rebirth.

The Vision: Creating a Luxury Ecolodge with Purpose

[FURTHER CONFIDENCE:

On the drive back to Megève, everything clicked. Our ideas merged. We were already imagining the “Lodge” flavour, the outdoor Spa overlooking the lake, and the trunk-style wardrobes of my childhood. The name came to me naturally: instants d’Absolu (timeless rare moments).

However, leaving our festive life in Megève was no small feat. We both worked for prestigious luxury establishments there. But the call of the Cantal was stronger. Creating a luxury ecolodge wasn’t a career change; it was following the flow of Life itself. Within a weekend, the project was on paper: partnerships with Voyageurs du Monde, regenerative wellness stays, and a naturalist approach.

Three years to weave a Volcanic Destiny

Between that first encounter in 2007 and our opening in June 2010, three years of reflection and twenty round trips were necessary. Creating an ecolodge is a blend of enthusiasm, patience, and a healthy dose of “madness.”

Signs encouraged us along the way—like a “Cantal” sticker spotted by chance at a highway toll in the Alps. Decisive encounters with local leaders and financial experts supported us. This was no longer just a project; it was our “Life Path.”

What does “Creating an Ecolodge” truly mean?

We had to define our own vision. By diving into international standards, we realized that creating an ecolodge rests on three inseparable pillars:

1. Rooting the project in the heart of a protected natural territory.

2. Preservation of the environment and guest awareness.

3. Local engagement to ensure a positive impact on the community.

Since 2010, we have built strong ties with local artisans—potters, knife-makers, cheesemakers—and launched conservation efforts with the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds). Creating an ecolodge in Auvergne was our way of revitalizing a precious land.

Coming soon: From rehabilitation to sanctuary of care (Part 2).