Christine & Claude: interior designers bridging between past and future

Two hearts beating as one for renovation and restoration projects

Christine and Claude, unassuming yet experienced interior designers at Tamaris, have a particular affinity for renovation and restoration projects involving historic buildings. The Rucher d’Evolène and its centuries-old houses, was bound to pique their curiosity, through unique architecture and immense potential for uncovering forgotten historical gems. 

“My first impression when I arrived in Evolène? What an extraordinary place! Probably one of the most beautiful Valais villages I’ve had the chance to explore during  my career,”

- recalls Claude.

Soon, Christine and Claude realised that they would need to get the locals to open up just as much as the walls themselves in order to restore the old ‘raccards’ (grain storehouses) to their former beauty. Claude tells us: 

“The people of Evolène are deeply attached to their village and very proud of its history. As we spoke with them, we really felt as though we could almost touch what makes the village of Evolène so unique.

Over the past few years, we have forged very strong relationships, met local talent and worked with truly passionate people who possess traditional skills. The people of Evolène are very close-knit; there is a real sense of solidarity within the village. It was important for us, as it was for them, that a relationship of trust developed over these months and years.”

Respect for the sites and duty of remembrance as their core philosophy 

Evolène’s architectural heritage spans several centuries (as evidenced by the beam engraved with the year 1634, which can still be seen today in the chalet ‘Chez Madeleine’). Christine and Claude have studied it with both a technician’s eye and the passion of enthusiasts devoted to historic buildings. Their philosophy? To renovate and restore with respect for tradition, acting as a bridge between past and future.

They left the distinctive original façades intact (even if this means having to duck to get through the porch, with its height from a bygone era: 1m56!). They reused old timber for the floors and ceilings. They opted for copper for the guttering, Saint Léonard stone for the bathrooms, and slate for the roofs…

In other words, Christine and Claude designed the renovation project for the buildings at the Rucher d’Evolène so that they would retain their timeless beauty and continue to age gracefully, defying fleeting fashions and trends.

Evolène: a lesson in architecture (and humility) 

Christine and Claude never ceased to marvel at the talent of the architects of yesteryear when they began exploring the old raccards of Evolène. 

 “Our predecessors thought of everything! Every building was constructed to stand the test of time and withstand earthquakes and bad weather… The construction method, although very old, is highly ingenious, and even very modern.”

Whilst he was immediately fascinated by the technical expertise of the architects of the time, it was above all the beauty of the buildings that made a lasting impression on Claude from his very first visit: 

“The woodwork is stunning; one could almost speak of the ‘spirituality of beauty’. The carved beams, the engraved inscriptions that reveal themselves in the light… You get the sense that, to the builders of the time, the aesthetic qualities of the buildings were just as important as their functional qualities.”

A real masterclass in architecture, building on the decades of combined experience of the passionate duo who steered renovations for the Rucher d’Evolène.

The lovely find making the Rucher d’Evolène a particularly charming architectural project

Discovering treasures hidden from the average person is a highlight of any restoration or renovation project. As the dust is cleared away, traces of the past are uncovered, objects that bear witness to the lives of the building’s former occupants. These may include crockery, tools, clothing, medals or furniture.

As he was exploring what would later become the 'Chez Catherine & Joseph' chalet, Claude unearthed a real gem whilst examining the beams in one of the raccards: a love letter addressed to Catherine by her fiancé Joseph, a schoolteacher living some forty kilometres away, longing to be reunited with her:

“My dearest fiancée, here we are, truly separated at last. What a terrible blow for two young people who, hour by hour, day by day, and at the very least week by week, were in the habit of pouring out their hearts to one another and sharing their joys and sorrows. Ah, that says it all, my dearest and beloved Catherine. Be that as it may, let us suffer in silence without actually suffering. Let us think of my dear absent one and your dear absent one. I send you my love. Your loving Joseph.

Just as the little bird flies away, joyfully fleeing towards its nest, so may this frivolous note carry to you the symbol of my infinite love.” 

A delightful discovery that simply could not be forgotten! And so, when the time came to name the chalet a few decades later, the name ‘Chez Catherine et Joseph’ seemed the obvious choice. A tribute to the lovers of days gone by, sure to bring good luck to today’s visiting couples. 

Houses with centuries-old walls, still bearing witness to stories big and small!

The Rucher d’Evolène is by no means a museum, contrary to what its centuries-old walls might suggest. Each chalet and hotel room* has been designed as a genuine living space in which to write a new chapter in the history of Evolène.

Here, we laugh, we share secrets, we love, we dream. Just like Chez Berthe. Just like Chez Catherine and Joseph. Just like Chez Madeleine. Just like all those people who used to call these places ‘peùlyo’ (home). And just like all those who will cross the threshold of these cosy havens in the future. It’s now your turn to pick up a pen and write the next chapter!

*The seven rooms and suites, as well as the Oleïnna spa at Le Central hotel, are set to open on 21st August 2026.