158 - PIERRE COMMARMOND

PIERRE COMMARMOND Combloux: The PLM Hotel & Mont Blanc Combloux: The PLM Hotel & Mont Blanc In 1912, thanks to its unrivaled panoramic location facing the Alps and Mont Blanc, Combloux was chosen in 1912 as the site for the construction of the Grand Hôtel du Mont Blanc by a wealthy Swiss owner, designed by architect Fleury Raillon. - In 1914, this hotel welcomed its first skiers; from the restaurant’s terrace, the view of the enormous mountain range—stretching from the Dôme and Col du Miage to the Aiguille de Bionnassay, passing by the summit of Mont Blanc—is a sublime spectacle, making it the ideal spot to admire this magnificent massif. - In 1923, it was acquired by the PLM Company and renamed the Hôtel du PLM. - In 1924, following significant expansions, its capacity increased from 50 to 200 rooms. Some 60 bathrooms were installed, along with large reception halls and terraces featuring balustrades with bulbous columns, typical of Belle Époque architecture. This luxury hotel, set within a park spanning about fifteen hectares—featuring three tennis courts, a 6-hole golf course, and an ice rink—attracted a wealthy clientele. Politicians, industrialists, and artists came to Combloux for vacation “The Balcony Over Mont Blanc.” Summer and winter alike, the hotel was fully booked; each season, more than a hundred employees were hired to cater to this high-society clientele. In the summer, there was a resident orchestra. It would set up on the terrace where afternoon tea was served. During the season, there were also numerous gala evenings, where guests donned their finest attire. With the outbreak of World War II, the establishment closed its doors. It never truly recovered, and after hosting children’s summer camps, it ceased all operations. - In 1955, it was converted into a timeshare residence. - In 1968, this magnificent building was sold to SOCIÉTÉ RÉSIDENCE LE MONT-BLANC, which was later sold off as individual apartments. Currently, “La Résidence du Mont-Blanc de Combloux” is occupied by the co-owners; some of these apartments are available for rent for your vacations year-round. / Combloux The Hotel PLM & Mont Blanc In 1912, due to its location as an unparalleled vantage point facing the Alps and Mont Blanc, Combloux was chosen in 1912 as the site for the construction of the Grand Hôtel du Mont-Blanc by a wealthy Swiss owner, designed by architect Fleury Raillon. - In 1914, this hotel welcomed its first skiers; from the restaurant terrace, the view of the enormous mountain range—from the Dome and the Col du Miage to the Aiguille de Bionnassay via the summit of Mont Blanc—is a sublime spectacle; it is the ideal vantage point from which to contemplate this magnificent massif. - In 1923, it was acquired by the Compagnie P.L.M. and renamed the Hôtel du PLM. - In 1924, significant expansions were carried out, increasing its capacity from 50 to 200 rooms. Some 60 bathrooms were installed, along with large reception rooms and terraces featuring balustrades with pot-bellied columns—a hallmark of Belle Époque architecture. This luxury hotel, set within a park of about fifteen hectares that included three tennis courts, a 6-hole golf course, and an ice rink, attracted a wealthy clientele. Politicians, industrialists, and artists came to Combloux on vacation— “The Balcony of Mont Blanc.” Summer and winter alike, the hotel was fully booked; each season, more than a hundred employees were hired to cater to this elite clientele. In the summer, there was a resident orchestra. Guests would sit on the terrace where afternoon tea was served. During the high season, there were also many gala evenings, where guests dressed in their finest attire. With the outbreak of World War II, the establishment closed its doors. It never truly recovered from this, and after hosting children’s summer camps for a time, it ceased all operations. - In 1955, it was converted into a timeshare residence. - In 1968, this magnificent building was sold to SOCIÉTÉ RÉSIDENCE LE MONT-BLANC, which subsequently sold it off into individual apartments. Currently, “La Résidence du Mont-Blanc de Combloux” is occupied by the co-owners; some of these apartments are available for rent for your vacations year-round. Lucien Serre & Cie Paris Vintage Poster on Linen T.B.E. A - 74 HAUTE SAVOIE TRAVEL POSTER 100 x 62 Printed circa 1930