A devastating fire 17-18 août 2015 (≈ 18)
Partial destruction saved by firefighters.
1897-1900
Construction of hotel
Construction of hotel 1897-1900 (≈ 1899)
Edited by Jules Pin for Jean-Marie Bernascon.
1956
Closing of the palace
Closing of the palace 1956 (≈ 1956)
End of original hotel activity.
1960
Conversion into condominiums
Conversion into condominiums 1960 (≈ 1960)
Sale and division into apartments.
24 avril 1986
First entry MH
First entry MH 24 avril 1986 (≈ 1986)
Partial protection of historical elements.
12 juillet 2021
New MH registration
New MH registration 12 juillet 2021 (≈ 2021)
Extension of heritage protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The following parts of the former Bernascon hotel located 4 boulevard de la Roche-du-Roi, on Parcel No. 45, appearing in the Cadastre section CE: the facades and roofs with the marquise of the east façade, the covered gallery, the terrace and ramp, the entrance hall, the former elevator and the stair hall including the steps of the floors up to the second span of the windows: inscription by order of 12 July 2021
Key figures
Jean-Marie Bernascon - Sponsor and hotelier
Initiator of building the palace.
Jules Pin - Lyon architect
Main designer of the Bernascon hotel.
Paul Lathoud - Savoyard architect
Author of the first plans and terraces.
Origin and history
The Bernascon hotel is an ancient palace emblematic of the thermalist period of Aix-les-Bains, built between 1897 and 1900 on the heights facing Lake Bourget. Sponsored by hotelier Jean-Marie Bernascon, its construction involves several architects, including Jules Pin (also author of the Château de la Roche du Roi) and Paul Lathoud, as well as local companies like Léon Grosse. The building embodies luxury for a worldly clientele, reflecting the city's urban and tourist boom in the late 19th century.
The hotel ceased operation in 1956 and was transformed into a condominium in 1960, housing housing, a court and a gym. A fire ravages part of the building on the night of 17-18 August 2015, saving only the south wing thanks to firefighters' intervention. The historic marquise, listed in the Historical Monuments, had been removed for renovation shortly before the disaster. The building has two heritage protections: a partial inscription in 1986, then an extension in 2021 covering the facades, roofs, and remarkable interior elements.
The hotel Bernascon is a symbol of the Belle Époque aixoise. It is a testament to the seaside architecture and the social changes associated with thermalism. Its history also reflects the challenges of preserving heritage, between successive conversions and destructive accidents. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum, regional inventories) highlight its role in local identity, despite the transformations experienced in the 20th century.
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