The Hôtel du Mont-Joly is the oldest hotel in Saint-Gervais and illustrates the importance of mountaineering and thermal spa discoveries in the Alps during the 19th century.
Built between 1847 and 1853, the Hôtel du Mont-Joly quickly attracted a clientele of English mountaineers, who found it a place to interact with the locals, guides and chamois hunters. The first owners, Mr and Mrs Rosset, are mentioned by the famous mountaineers Hudson and Kennedy in their account ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ (1855), after their ascent of Mont Blanc via the Bosses ridge (1855).
In 1865, the hotel was managed by Jérôme François Aly, son-in-law of owner Philippe Rosset, and the clientele changed: less athletic and more focused on the benefits of the mountain climate and extended spa stays, on the advice of Doctor Billout.
Between 1880 and 1884, the hotel was expanded with a new hotel complex nicknamed ‘Mont-Joly II’ or ‘faience wing’, designed by architect Célestin Longerey. The complex became one of the resort's leading luxury hotels, alongside the Splendid Hotel and the Royal Hotel. At that time, the neighbouring villas (La Terrasse, Le Château and Les Clématites) became annexes of the establishment.
In 1892, when a natural disaster destroyed part of the spa and claimed more than 175 lives, the hotel became a central hub for organising relief efforts (the Prefect's chief of staff set up office there) and providing shelter for survivors.
In 1911, a third extension to the hotel was completed: ‘Le Mont-Joly III’ or the ‘marquise wing’. Designed by architect Martin Augustyniak, this new complex borrows its style from Art Nouveau.
Marked by three distinct architectural styles, the hotel boasts a unique architectural style!
- The southern part, the oldest, is neoclassical in style with Sardinian influences.
- The central part, composed of a metal frame, is neo-industrial and eclectic in style.
- Finally, the northern part is modern in style.
In 1947, the hotel was sold and converted into flats.
Today, the building stands proudly at the entrance to Saint-Gervais and remains one of the most iconic buildings in the town.
In 1865, the hotel was managed by Jérôme François Aly, son-in-law of owner Philippe Rosset, and the clientele changed: less athletic and more focused on the benefits of the mountain climate and extended spa stays, on the advice of Doctor Billout.
Between 1880 and 1884, the hotel was expanded with a new hotel complex nicknamed ‘Mont-Joly II’ or ‘faience wing’, designed by architect Célestin Longerey. The complex became one of the resort's leading luxury hotels, alongside the Splendid Hotel and the Royal Hotel. At that time, the neighbouring villas (La Terrasse, Le Château and Les Clématites) became annexes of the establishment.
In 1892, when a natural disaster destroyed part of the spa and claimed more than 175 lives, the hotel became a central hub for organising relief efforts (the Prefect's chief of staff set up office there) and providing shelter for survivors.
In 1911, a third extension to the hotel was completed: ‘Le Mont-Joly III’ or the ‘marquise wing’. Designed by architect Martin Augustyniak, this new complex borrows its style from Art Nouveau.
Marked by three distinct architectural styles, the hotel boasts a unique architectural style!
- The southern part, the oldest, is neoclassical in style with Sardinian influences.
- The central part, composed of a metal frame, is neo-industrial and eclectic in style.
- Finally, the northern part is modern in style.
In 1947, the hotel was sold and converted into flats.
Today, the building stands proudly at the entrance to Saint-Gervais and remains one of the most iconic buildings in the town.
Location
Location
Contact Ancien Hôtel du Mont-Joly
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