There are rentals which, on paper, seem perfect for a truly exotic stay but which, in reality, harbor a dark secret.
Who has never spent hours scrolling on Airbnb, looking for the perfect refuge for their next winter sports vacation? We can already see ourselves there: a cozy atmosphere, a fireplace and laughter shared with family. This is exactly the promise of this superb mountain residence. According to the announcement, everything is absolutely perfect. But behind its warm wooded facades and its rave reviews hides a tragic past which continues to thrill fans of dark stories.
Visually, it’s flawless. Put in the spotlight by French videographer Simon Puech in his latest YouTube video to date, this exceptional 254 m² property, built in the purest model of the chalets of yesteryear, has everything to seduce mountain lovers. Ideally located for a stay in the great outdoors, it can accommodate up to 15 travelers. With its large living room, its equipped kitchen, its seven bedrooms and its three bathrooms, the place exudes comfort. Add to that a large balcony and a terrace to admire the snow-capped peaks. Managed by the Cocoonr agency, this seasonal rental has a rating of 4.75/5, receiving praise from vacationers who have stayed there since 2021.
Unfortunately, this postcard setting hides a dark secret. Located near old Chinaillon, in Grand-Bornand, the chalet Les Laurencières is in reality the place where the terrible killing of the Flactif family took place in April 2003. A terrible tragedy which marked the whole of France, during which the developer Xavier Flactif, his partner and their three young children were brutally murdered by a jealous neighbor. After six years under seal, the building was bought by a Belgian couple, renovated then put on the short-term rental market.
Today, it is impossible to imagine the horror that these walls experienced and many tenants have left their suitcases there, seduced by the high-end services of the place. One thing is certain: the chalet has begun its second life. And you, would you be ready to book your next vacation there?
