Petit Vélan, Switzerland: Co-Living Review For Digital Nomads & Travelers
A Detailed Review of Petite Vélan vs. Swiss Alps Co-Living — What Every Digital Nomad Should Know Before Booking in the Swiss Alps
📍 Location : Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland
✍️ Stay Length : 1 Month
🌟 Overall Score : 8 / 10
🔖 1. THE BASICS: Petit Vélan Co-Living
🏔️ Altitude: 1,635 meters above sea level 📆 Length of Stay: 1 month (August 2024) 🛏️ Room Options: • 4 private rooms (twin beds + ensuite bathrooms) • 3 shared rooms (4-person occupancy + ensuite bathrooms) 👥 Guest Capacity: 10–15 co-livers on average 💻 Workspaces: 1 communal workspace, 1 private desk area 🍽️ Common Areas: Fully equipped kitchen, lounge/bar, small infrared sauna 🎯 Atmosphere: Rustic mountain chalet—minimalist, quiet, and community-optional 📡 Advertised Amenities:• High-speed Wi-Fi • Dedicated working areas • Onsite community manager • Social activities (seasonal and self-led) 💶 Pricing (2024): Private Room (Twin + Ensuite) • Winter: 470 CHF / week, 1,200 CHF / month • Off-season: 400 CHF / week, 800 CHF / month Shared 4-Person Room (Ensuite) • Winter: 235.20 CHF / week, 600 CHF / month • Off-season: 200 CHF / week, 500 CHF / month 📍 Address: Coliving Petit Vélan, Rue du Bourg 26, 1946 Bourg-Saint-Pierre 📧 Email: coliving@frilingue.ch 📱 Instagram: @swissalpscoliving 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/coliving.frilingue
🔖 2. Arrival & First Impressions 🛬
After the most insane bus ride through the winding mountain roads, my travel companion/best friend and I arrived late under a sky full of stars, hauling everything we owned.
The bus driver was cool, calm, and relaxed as we absolutely whipped through those tiny roads. While I have complete confidence in the super skillful bus drivers, the ride was as jaw-dropping in its beauty as it was equally as thrilling, envision a roller coaster ride. Which brings me to our first bit of helpful advice:
💡 TIP: BRING THE MOTION SICKNESS MEDICINE if you’re inclined to that sort of motion discomfort. Something about the viscously steep cliffs scrolling past you so quickly as your sharply change directions over a scenic landscape had even my strong stomach turning. Better safe than sorry.
When we arrived, the building was quiet. Too quiet. A large “CAFE - RESTAURANTE, Au Petit Vélan” sign stood in place of a co-living logo. Inside, the space was beautiful—but empty. There was no orientation, no tour, and no immediate sense of welcome.
Later, we learned the housemates had been out at a town event, but the lack of communication set the tone for a very self-directed beginning.
🔖 3. The Space & Amenities
Petite Vélan is quiet, simple, and self-directed. It’s not a polished hotel experience, and you wouldn’t want it to be. That dull esthetic can be lifeless and lack humanity. This experience is rich in it’s authenticity. There are no checklists, no front desk, no printed guides. Instead, it functions more like a communal home that assumes you’ll figure it out as you go.
The private room I stayed in was clean, modest, and true to the online photos. My travel companion and I shared a room with two twin beds, a small desk, a private bathroom, and two windows without screens. The essentials were all provided—bed linens, towels, hand soap, shower gel, and toilet paper. It felt safe, minimal, and perfectly functional for our stay.
The kitchen was spacious and well-stocked, but without a walkthrough or welcome binder, it took time to orient ourselves. A coffee machine sat unused on our first morning because we couldn’t figure out how to operate it. (Coffee, tea, and sugar are provided, though—which was a nice touch!) The stove, sauna, and laundry systems also lacked instructions. I feel having a printed guide in various languages in these areas would be a huge help to visitors. This addition would elevate the experience by removing the guess work. Fortunately the recycling setup had clear signage. It sometimes felt like some guests were unsure of the policy and trash rotation at times piled up.
There’s a distinct “figure it out yourself” energy in the house—and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s important to know before you arrive. If you’re shy about asking questions or advocating for what you need, this space may feel confusing or even frustrating at times. You’ll want to reach out directly to the owners or community manager when needed—because if you don’t speak up, nothing happens by default.
The co-working space is located on the main floor behind the mudroom. It’s quiet and comfortable during the day, with three large windows (no screens), plenty of outlets, long work tables, several double sided wooden chalet benches to work from, and comfortable ergonomic chairs. The windows are usually left open for the breeze, and it became my go-to spot for focused hours.
Beyond that, common areas are limited. The dining room can double as a workspace, but with people eating at staggered hours, occasional game nights, and the kitchen attached … it can be a distracting place to settle in. If you want to co-work communally, it’ll require coordination.
There was also a basement room being used as storage when we arrived. We took it upon ourselves to clean it out and try repurposing it into a game/yoga space—but the room was cold, the owners discouraged heater use, and we were unsure if the space would stay available for guest use after our departure.
🧺 Amenities at a Glance
🛏️ Private/shared rooms with ensuite bathrooms
🧼 Bed linens, towels, soap included
🍽️ Shared kitchen + lounge/bar area
🧖🏽♀️ Infrared sauna (self-managed)
🧺 3 washers, 2 dryers (underperforming) — line drying encouraged
💻 1 dedicated communal workspace
🪑 Desk in each private room
📶 Reliable Wi-Fi
🧽 No cleaning service during stay
🔖 4. Community & Social Life
This was the biggest disconnect between what was promised on the Coliving.com website and what we experienced.
When I booked, I naively envisioned communal dinners, spontaneous hikes, yoga mornings—an organic, vibrant community. Instead, I walked into silence. The kind that echoes in the hallways and makes you wonder if you accidentally booked a ghost hostel. I found out later that all our roommates had gone to an event in town. It was comforting to learn later that our hosts did express concern about our arrival to an empty house. Although, because we did not reach out to the hosts, they did not reach out to us. This kind of awkward communication style persisted unfortunately through the beginning of the trip.
For the first two weeks, there were only three other guests (all male), and they kept to themselves. No introductions. No invitations. A silent group chat. I found it frustrating to realize later, that things had been happening… just somewhere else and because we weren’t more proactive: we weren’t included. There were no organized and included activities at Petit Vélan in our first week and that continued into the second week.
If you wanted community, you had to build it from scratch.
We asked questions—how to use the espresso machine, where to find towels, how to get a bus pass—but with a disengaged point of contact, every question felt like an interruption for our community manager and that began to wear on us. It took away from our sense of belonging.
To be fair, I don’t think this is how Petit Vélan always runs.
The part-time community manager admitted she was only filling in temporarily, so she might not have had experience in the role prior. Our housemates were lovely, just quiet. Once they warmed up, we shared a few beautiful dinners and conversations.
Things began to shift during the third week . Since co-livers rotate regularly, every month, sometimes every week, offers a different mix of personalities—and with that comes a different dynamic.
The owners became more active after we finally reached out directly via WhatsApp. They went on to host two communal dinners—cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, delicious and traditional of Switzerland. These dinners were optional, affordable, and genuinely lovely. We even celebrated a housemate’s birthday with a homemade cake! It was the first time the space felt warm!
Around that same time, the owners launched a “Workation” French class. It was a great concept—and I genuinely enjoyed the first session—but the additional cost (75–200 CHF) was surprising, especially since it was the first group activity offered during our stay. I wasn’t able to continue the course, and to complicate things, the class also took over the shared kitchen during peak dinner hours. Not a huge issue—but again, there was no communication beforehand and an impromptu schedule dropped into the group chat. Just another unexpected variable dropped into an already delicate balance.
Then came a new wave of guests—a family with two small children. While they were sweet, the dynamic shifted. Toys in the hallway. Cries at odd hours. The co-working room became a play zone after dinner. In a small house with limited shared space, those shifts matter—and again, there was no heads-up.
🫂 What’s Worth Knowing (Specific to My Experience)
There is no set rhythm or social structure.
Events/engagement depend on the current community manager + guest mix.
If you’re introverted or self-directed, this might be perfect.
If you need connection to thrive, be ready to lead.
💡TIPS:
Before arriving, message the community manager!
Download WhatsApp and get comfortable using the app. It’s the main source of communal information, connecting with other housemates, and your main form of communication with your hosts.
Video chat to see the space beforehand!
Ask who else is staying.
Request to be added to the WhatsApp group.
Clarify any planned events or family bookings during your stay.
If connection matters to you, don’t assume it’ll be built for you—you’ll need to bring the spark.
Don’t be afraid to attempt to organize your own events. If you’re going for a hike, toss it into the WhatsApp Group. It’s likely someone may want to join you!
🔀 A Note on the “Second House” – Swiss Alps Co-Living in Liddes
Both Petite Vélan and Swiss Alps Co-Living in Liddes are owned and operated by the same team—but they offer very different experiences.
The Liddes house is just a 5-minute bus ride away. Bus passes can be purchased at the Liddes Tourist Office—but here’s the confusing part: to buy the pass, you first have to ride the very bus that either requires the pass or cash payment in order to reach the office.
If you haven’t exchanged your money into Swiss currency before reaching the bus it can lead to major confusion. We offered to pay the driver directly, unfortunately he didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak French, but he kindly let us ride for free the first time. Shout out to that guy and his unhurried patience!
Once we arrived, the tourist office staff were incredibly helpful and the process itself was simple—but the lack of guidance made the whole thing feel more complicated than it needed to be. I highly recommend asking the community manager for support with this step before you arrive.
Now for the good stuff: Swiss Alps Co-Living is where the social energy lives.
A larger common area
A television
More co-working and solo working spaces
More guests
A Heated Sauna
A noticeably active, engaged community
During my visits, there were yoga sessions, day trips, communal meals, and spontaneous group hangs. I didn’t sleep there, but once I gained access, I visited often—and it completely shifted the tone of my stay. One night, when a group event ran late, I was even offered the chance to bunk in an empty room. That level of openness was exactly what I’d been craving.
💡 TIP: If you book through a 3rd party website and NOT the main webpage for this co-living : https://coliving.frilingue.ch YOU’LL NEED TO CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS BEFORE ARRIVAL! Using a 3rd party website did not allow us to differentiate between the two locations.
Ask which house you’ll be staying in
Ask which location is currently more active
Don’t assume—it makes all the difference
We weren’t aware there were two separate properties for the majority of our stay. You could easily book Petite Vélan expecting a vibrant community, only to find silence and self-reliance. The branding is unified—but the lived experiences are not.
🔖 5. Location & Local Access
Bourg Saint Pierre is quiet. Really quiet. If you’re craving a small-town vibe with immediate access to incredible hiking trails and stunning mountain views, it delivers. But if you’re expecting many cafés, tons grocery options, or even nightlife—you’ll need to adjust your expectations or plan to bus elsewhere.
The co-living space is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, which connects regularly to Martigny (the nearest major town) via Orsières.
🚐 Getting There (From Geneva Airport):
Train from Geneva Airport to Martigny: ~every 30 minutes
Transfer to Orsières by train
Bus from Orsières to Bourg-Saint-Pierre
Check schedules here: www.sbb.ch
Book tickets: www.omio.com
The journey is long but scenic—and all the transfers run pretty smoothly if you plan ahead.
🛍️ Shops & Supplies
Bourg-Saint-Pierre:
No grocery store!
Small kiosk available for snacks and essentials
Eggs, milk, meat, canned goods, bread
Liddes (Next Village Over)
5 min drive
5 minute bus ride
2 grocery stores
One is open Sunday mornings (lifesaver)
Sembrancher
20 min drive
1 hour on public transport: 25 min bus ride to Orsières > 10 min bus ride to Sembrancher > 13 min walk to the center
Larger shops including Migros and Coop supermarkets
Martigny
37 min drive
25 min bus ride to Orsières gare, 10 minute train ride to Sembrancher, transfer to Martigny
Full shopping town—groceries, clothing, electronics, and more
🍽️ Restaurants Nearby (Comprehensive Reviews to come!)
Bourg-Saint-Pierre has 4 restaurants
3 are walkable
1 is further out, located on the pass to Italy
Au Bivouac de Napoléon
Seasonal menu
Only a 5-minute walk from Petite Vélan
Liddes has 2 local restaurants
🔖 6. Activities & Excursions
Even though Petit Vélan leans more quiet and self-paced, the surrounding area offers plenty for nature lovers, hikers, and seasonal skiers—if you’re up for finding the adventure yourself.
⛰️ Hiking & Nature
Bourg-Saint-Pierre and the surrounding region are a hiker’s dream. You’ll find trails that begin just outside the house, leading into the kind of alpine scenery that feels straight out of a postcard.
Two SAC huts in the nearby municipality of Liddes offer great day-hike destinations:
Cabane de Mille (2,500m)
Cabane Combe de l’A (2,400m)
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the area—there are plenty of scenic walks and moderate trails to choose from.
🧖🏽♀️ Sauna, Pool & Thermal Baths
On-site sauna – Small infrared sauna in the attic (free and self-managed)
Hotel Napoléon – Larger sauna + Turkish bath (20 CHF entry)
Thermal spas – Occasional organized trips down to the valley; ask the hosts
Small Indoor pool – Heated to 25°C and located in Bourg-Saint-Pierre (free with St. Bernhard Bus Pass) Often in use by local school children
🎿 Skiing (Winter Season)
I visited during late summer, so I didn’t personally ski—but if you’re planning a winter stay, here’s what to know:
Liddes-Vichères Ski Area (15 min by car)
4 lifts
Popular for powder and uncrowded runs
Affordable ski pass:
90 CHF (if purchased as a group pass 2–3 weeks in advance)
150 CHF if bought individually
Includes access to 2 additional resorts (40 min drive):
La Fouly
Champex-Lac
💡 TIP: Confirm gear rentals and transportation in advance—these smaller resorts are charming, but less equipped than major ski towns.
🔖 7. Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Petit Vélan is as beautiful as it is unpredictable. If you arrive expecting a curated experience, you might be disappointed. If you arrive ready to create your own rhythm, you’ll likely find something meaningful here.
💡 My Recommendation?
If you’re independent, enjoy stillness, and thrive in solitude—Petit Vélan could be a perfect match.
If you’re extroverted, looking for community, or easily discouraged by ambiguity—this might not be your ideal first stop and Swiss Co-Living will likely be a better fit.
If you’re unsure: reach out before booking. Ask questions. Clarify which house you’ll be in and what’s happening that month.
💡FINAL TIP:
Don’t assume that what’s listed on the website will be offered during your stay.
Again, don’t skip the important step of messaging the hosts, connecting with the community manager, and being proactive about what kind of experience you’re hoping for before you arrive!
I learned the hard way that stillness can feel like abandonment if you’re not prepared for it. But I also learned that I could adapt, ask for what I needed, and reshape the experience into something that nourished me in the end.
🌟 OVERALL SCORE: 8 / 10
I would absolutely return to Swiss Alps Co-Living—but not to the Petit Vélan location. As an extrovert who thrives on connection and a busy social atmosphere, the other house would’ve been a much better fit for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t placed in the right environment—and I wish that had been clearer at the time of booking.
That said—what I did find was something far more personal.
I fell in love with the scenery, the eventual sense of community, and the few communal meals that brought a very diverse group of travelers to the same table. This was my very first co-living experience, and although it started off rocky, it pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.
This co-living experience wasn’t the moment my blog idea was born—but it was the answer to a question I’d been asking myself long before I ever left the corporate hustle culture of America:
Is it possible to live another way?
Petit Vélan didn’t offer the experience I expected, but it handed me the chance to create the one I needed. And that might be more powerful than anything I could’ve booked in advance.
Curious how I emotionally navigated this experience?
Read the personal story behind this stay:
Have questions about Petite Vélan or co-living life in general?
I’m happy to share what I know. Feel free to comment below!