Aime 2000, Architect Michel Bezançon, 1969-1970. The highest site of La Plagne's ski resort.
La Grande Rochette cable cars in aluminum, plexiglass, and glass, 1965. Interiors designed by Pierre Guariche.
In the early 1960s, Pierre Guariche focused on developing innovative leisure properties as economic recovery enabled significant state investment in tourism. Skiing in France, which began in the early 20th century, expanded after World War I, with resorts initially built in villages like Morzine and Chamonix. However, many of these resorts were at lower altitudes, prompting the creation of new high-altitude resorts, such as La Plagne, developed in 1963. This marked the beginning of a new generation of integrated resorts, with Guariche joining a team that included architect Michel Bezançon and developer Robert Legoux. Together, they created a resort that integrated architecture, shared services, and natural materials, with Guariche overseeing the interior design, emphasizing simplicity and functional elegance.
Guariche's contributions to La Plagne included designing accommodations for Plagne-Centre and its satellites, Aime 2000 and Plagne-Bellecôte, as well as the resort's shopping malls, which served as heated interior streets connecting key facilities. His designs ensured a cohesive aesthetic across the resort, with natural materials like cement plaster, varnished pine, and Roman travertine. He also designed the cable cars, air-conditioned stations, and pylons, creating a seamless link between the resort and the surrounding mountains. His interiors, such as the spacious living areas with custom furniture, combined refined materials like pine, stainless steel, and woven wool, providing comfort while maintaining a modern, minimalist style.
Cable car station, Plagne-Centre, c. 1965.
Entrance to Hôtel Le France, Plagne-Centre, c. 1966.
Cinema lobby, Plagne-Centre, c. 1966. Aquilon chairs and coffee tables.
Aquilon Chair and Stool, 1966 and Aquilon Low Table, 1960.
Shopping arcade, Aime 2000, 1969-1970.
Hôtel Le France restaurant, Plagne-Centre, c. 1966.
Pharmacy, Plagne-Centre, 1964. To the left, SG1 Chairs.
People's Bank of Savoie, Plagne-Centre, 1965. SG1 chairs and coffee tables produced by Les Huchers-Minvielle.
Apartment of the Director of the People's Bank of Savoie, Plagne-Centre, 1964-1965. Living room: sliding partitions, Courchevel sofas, Quatre faces chairs, and coffee tables produced by Les Huchers-Minvielle.
Robert Legoux's apartment, Plagne-Centre, 1964-1965. Living room: seats by Pierre Paulin, stainless steel and Formica elliptical table, fireplace with built-in lighting.
Chapel, Plagne-Centre, 1966.
Apartment, Plagne-Centre, c. 1965. Living room: Les Huchers-Minvielle chairs, Oregon pine and Formica sideboard.
Studio for the Hôtel Le France, Plagne-Centre, c.1966. Multifunctional furniture, produced by Negroni.
