Get Clarines

The ski resort of les Menuires, long time the poor relation of the Trois Vallees ski domain, is continuing its move upmarket. In 2004 the massive Solaret complex, dubbed Butlins-sur-neiges, was dynamited. Now it is the turn of the concrete “Hotel Les Clarines”.

les clarines les menuires

Built at the end of the 1960s, this six story building with 300 rooms was designed in the brutalist concrete style of the time and has drawn comparisons with Gatehead’s multi-storey car-park that featured in cult Brit crime movie “Get Carter”. Later converted to apartments and finally bought by MGM in 2005, demolition work is expected to last two weeks. It will be replaced by a luxury four star hotel with an open air heated swimming pool (sounds good for environment), sauna, sports facilities and 53 rooms reserved for well heeled guests. There will also be two 16 apartment chalet blocks.

Purists have criticised the destruction of much of the Trois Vallees post war architectural heritage and its replacement with “faux Tyrolean buildings that are completely out of keeping with local styles”.

Further Information

A lifting for Alphaville

Posted by davidof on Friday, 24 November, 2006 at 12:08 AM

Accordng to “ Le Dauphine Libere”, Le Solaret was not dynamited because of fears of asbestos being spread over the area. It was demolished by man and machine as will be Les Clarines

Posted by on Saturday, 02 December, 2006 at 10:46 AM

Let’s face it it’s a hole and deserves to go. Anything is preferable. Also, if ‘in keeping with local styles’ is the above then heaven help France.

Posted by on Friday, 08 December, 2006 at 02:10 PM

I have worked for 2 seasons in hotel Les Clarines and had a great time. It was’nt the prettiest building but it offered all you needed for a low budget holliday.

Posted by on Thursday, 14 December, 2006 at 09:43 AM

WORKED AT THIS HOTEL MANY YEARS AGO. IT HAS A LOT OF LAND.

Posted by FRENCHBABE on Sunday, 08 July, 2007 at 06:26 PM