Les Houches oldie becomes new eco hut

9th November 2010, by Chris Gill

Bellevue - Les Houches

The building dates back to the 19th century, but the complete renovation of a Les Houches-St Gervais mountain hotel has whisked it to eco-modern 21st century status.

The Bellevue is new, rebuilt on the site of the former hotel – although conserving its traditional exterior of a block-style, shuttered mountain hut. It has just 12 rooms, and its mountain location adds to its relaxing appeal. 

The building is claimed to be France’s first eco-friendly mountain hotel, consuming only 10-20% of the energy required to heat other traditional buildings; something about getting its energy from the earth! (the hotel uses a geothermic system).

Guests benefit from 4-star on-slope accommodation at 1800m, in an area of quieter pistes away from the main Chamonix thoroughfare. The Bellevue also supplies a panoramic restaurant, spruce wood fitted rooms and relaxing spa; and the views towards Mont Blanc are wonderful.

The restaurant is due to open in December, the rooms possibly a little later (according to reports).

The other obvious ‘green’ attraction is getting there: trains serve the resort, such as the direct TGV services from Paris. There is also access from the tramway serving the St-Gervais side of the mountain.

• chamonix
• hotel
• les houches
• mountain hut

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