In 2023, Les Balcons Group celebrates its 30th anniversary! Three decades of history and passion by your side.
Discover our history with our book in digital format
OUR HISTORY
1993 First stone
Le Val Chavière*** Residence
The story of Les Balcons began in Val Thorens in 1993, when Philippe Thirode, a pharmacist, entrepreneur and born-builder, was given the opportunity to build a tourist residence above the hotel where he was staying. Driven by the love of the mountains and skiing and the joy of holidays with family and friends, he swapped his lab coat for a construction helmet and set off on his adventure.
The concept was innovative for its time: 16 spacious apartments for up to 14 people, Jacuzzi baths, saunas and wood-burning stoves in the living rooms, and ski-to-door access.
1994-1999 Les Balcons district
Les Balcons de Val Thorens****
After the success of Val Chavière, Philippe Thirode was approached by the town council of the resort, which a few years later would be called “Les Balcons district”. It was here that the 6 chalets and 165 apartments of Les Balcons de Val Thorens were built between 1994 and 1999, at the rate of one construction site per year.
With each new building, Les Balcons signature has become more and more established: large apartments, one bathroom per bedroom and vast convivial spaces, luxury establishments close to the ski slopes, with breathtaking views of the peaks.
Les Balcons’ logo, which has been the group’s image for over 20 years! (It will be redesigned in 2019)
1997-1999 Further down the valley
Les Balcons de Belle Plagne****
The Group continues to expand with the creation of a construction company, bringing a number of trades in-house.
In 1997, a new project was launched in the Tarentaise valley, at Belle Plagne, a high-altitude resort renowned for its ski area. Residence Les Balcons de Belle Plagne**** comprises 3 chalets with 80 apartments for 2 to 20 people, a restaurant and a sports store.
The group’s first 400 m² wellness center was built in 1998.
2000
L’Hôtel Les Balcons Village***
In 2000, the group’s first hotel was added: a 3-star establishment with some forty rooms and a restaurant.
2001 Change of valley
Les Balcons de Val Cenis Le Haut***
In 2001, the group moved to the Haute-Maurienne region of Val Cenis, in the charming village of Lanslevillard.
Les Balcons de Val Cenis Le Haut*** residence comprises 2 chalets with a total of 73 apartments, and has had ski-to-door access since 2013.
2003 – 2008 : On both sides of the Alps
Les Balcons de La Rosière****
In 2003, back to the Tarentaise valley in the Franco-Italian ski resort of La Rosière. With its southern exposure, also known as the “balcony of the Tarentaise”, this destination was a must for the group!
9 chalets and over 100 apartments will be built, as well as a shopping center with a mini-market, sports stores, a restaurant and a night bar, creating the Eucherts district at the entrance to the resort.
2005 – 2008 Au coeur du village
Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village****
The success of the Val Cenis Le Haut project gave rise a few years later to the Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village*** residence. Located nearby, this residence of 9 chalets includes over 130 apartments, the restaurant La Bergerie, a sports store and a mini-market, all in a village spirit.
2009 – 2012 Development of the wellness offering
During this period, the Group expanded its Spa offering in response to growing customer demand for wellness in the mountains. Dedicated areas were created, and a partnership was forged with Thalgo brand to offer customers a full range of treatments and massages.
In 2009, the Belle Plagne spa was expanded to include 3 treatment rooms.
2010 sees the construction of a 1000m² spa in Val Thorens. The space, located at the heart of the residence, includes saunas, hammams, a fitness room, whirlpool baths, 5 treatment rooms and a swimming pool with a large bay window revealing the view of the peaks, which will become the trademark of Les Balcons spas.
In 2012, the range was expanded at La Rosière, with the creation of a spa at the heart of the residence, featuring a sauna, hammam, whirlpool bath and 2 treatment rooms.
2012 Upmarket
Les Balcons Platinium Val Thorens*****
A 5-star residence completes the Val Thorens program, offering a more upscale range of accommodation.
A chalet, 18 apartments for 2 to 14 people, an exclusive spa, modern facilities… Les Balcons is moving upmarket!
2019 The Group’s jewel
Hôtel Alparena**** & Spa
In 2017, construction began on the Hotel Alparena**** & Spa. A 4-star hotel ideally located on the slopes, with breathtaking views of the valley and Mont Pourri, comprising 58 spacious rooms and suites decorated in contemporary mountain style, 2 restaurants, 3 seminar rooms and a sports store.
The 1000m² Spa area, with its 6-metre-high glass roof, is a true work of art, opening onto the snow-covered exterior like a painting.
2021 : Confirmed expertise
Les Balcons Platinium Val Cenis*****
The Group’s latest project will open in December 2021: the Résidence Les Balcons Platinium Val Cenis* completes the resort’s offering. Building on the success of its various projects, the Group is demonstrating expertise in architecture, construction, technology, design and energy performance.
The first 5-star residence in the Maurienne region, it offers 25 apartments with meticulous design and modern facilities, as well as a vast wellness area with woodland and vegetation tones, with the constant aim of offering exceptional vacations in a unique setting.
The story continues…
Today, Philippe Thirode is continuing to develop the company, with the support of his three children, colleagues being there from the very beginning and more than 200 employees during the winter season.
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