Flaine, Alpine ski resort in Grand Massif, France
Flaine is a ski resort sitting at around 1600 meters elevation with distinctive concrete buildings designed by architect Marcel Breuer within the Grand Massif range. The site is organized on several levels and connected by orange inclined elevators that link different areas together.
The resort was founded in 1968 by Éric Boissonnas and pioneered the introduction of city gas, cable television, and artificial snow systems to French alpine resorts. These technological advances made it a trendsetter for how ski resorts could operate at the time.
The resort functions as an open-air museum where you can discover works by Jean Dubuffet, Pablo Picasso, and Victor Vasarely scattered throughout the concrete structures. These artworks are woven into the daily experience of visitors, creating an unusual blend of art viewing and mountain sports.
Getting around between different areas is straightforward thanks to the elevators, which also accommodate people with mobility challenges. Plan some time to orient yourself, as the vertical layout can feel confusing at first, especially if visibility is reduced by snowfall.
The chapel designed by Marcel Breuer stands out for its butterfly shape and complete absence of right angles throughout its structure. This unusual design makes it a surprising landmark within the otherwise angular geometry of the resort.
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