Flaine: Discover all the things to do in the famous winter resort of Flaine!

An avant-garde winter sports resort in Haute-Savoie, Flaine is part of the Grand Massif ski area (Samoëns, Carroz d'Arrache, Sixt Fer à Cheval and Morillon). Built in the 1970s, its architectural style is a far cry from traditional mountain chalets. While some may be put off by these concrete blocks set in an exceptional natural setting, lovers of architecture will see this resort as a bold artistic creation.

To understand and appreciate the style of Flaine, a little history is in order. In 1959, Eric Boissonas, a geophysicist from the Pyrenees, and his wife Sylvie, discovered a large natural cirque at an altitude of 1600 metres, in the natural valley of Flaine. He decided to build a ski resort on this site, which was ideally positioned for sunshine and snow.

This mountain lover and modern art enthusiast surrounded themselves with a team of architects including Charvaz Chappis, Pradelle, Gaillard and the famous Marcel Breuer for this incredible Savoyard adventure in the France of the Thirty Glorious. A phenomenal project was launched, and nothing was left to chance.

Once the road had been built, particular attention was paid to the station's energy supply. The town gas network and buried electricity wires are just some of the environmentally forward-thinking measures.

Construction lasted from 1960 to 1976, but Flaine officially opened in 1968. And while the architecture may seem shocking today, the materials were chosen to match the mountains: concrete to match the rocks and wood to match the fir trees.

The ski resort of Flaine is divided into four hamlets: Montsoleil, Front de Neige, Flaine Forêt and Flaine Forum. As they move from one resort to the next, visitors will notice traces of decoration from the past which, although few in number, are part of the resort's identity. The lampposts, the engraved building names, the suspended terrace of the old Flaine hotel, the inclined lifts, as well as period interior architectural features such as the fireplace in the MMV hotel and, best of all, the famous works of art displayed outside. Few resorts can boast a Picasso, Dubuffet or Vasarely!

All these elements explain why Flaine is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. This pedestrian resort has plenty to surprise visitors. Its ecumenical chapel and auditorium, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, are just two examples that give the whole of Flaine a refined, resolutely modern feel.

In summer and winter alike, the Alpine resort of Flaine offers a multitude of sporting and cultural activities. The ski slopes, which are popular in winter, give way to numerous hiking and mountain bike trails in summer. Reaching the summit of the Grandes Plâtières and admiring the impressive panorama of Mont Blanc is one of the sensational experiences to be had during a stay in Flaine.

There is a constant supply of organised excursions to suit all types of holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts, while the Flaine art centre delights lovers of sculptures and ethnographic exhibitions on "mountain sports". Finally, Flaine is also a resort renowned for its exceptional restaurants and hotels. Savour some of the best Savoyard cuisine in the Grand Massif in Flaine's incredible surroundings.