Grand Chalet

The Grand Chalet of Rossinière (Grand Chalet de Rossinière) is one of the oldest chalets in Switzerland, dating to the 18th century. It is located in Rossinière and classed as a historic monument.

Claude Roy wrote of it:

The Grand Chalet, a caravel washed up on a mountain, a Shinto temple... With its architecture in white wood and balconies of lace.

Architecture
The Grand Chalet of Rossinière a colossal wooden dwelling, boasting a staggering 500 square meters spread across five floors and adorned with over 100 windows that bathe its interior in natural light. It's a marvel of Alpine architecture, akin to the Great Pyramid of Giza in its significance to pharaonic monuments.

History
In 1852 it was turned into a hotel, patronised by Englishmen, Americans, Russians and Australians, along with Victor Hugo. The painter Balthus bought it in 1977 and welcomed several artists there until his death in 2001.

The Balthus Foundation
The chalet's grand salon now houses the Balthus Foundation and its many shows, concerts and exhibitions, such as:
 * Bijoux et aquarelles d’Harumi - 22 February 2002
 * La Jeunesse de Balthus -21 September to 16 November 2003
 * Henri Cartier-Bresson et Martine Franck -  4 July to 3 October 2004
 * Les Desseins de Balthus - 26 June to 30 October 2005
 * La Magie du paysage - 2 July to 17 September 2006
 * Le Mystère des Chats - 14 July to 16 September 2007
 * Memorial Day - ceremony for 100 years of Balthus - 29 February 2008