La Grange au Lac
The only concert hall of its kind in the world
Located in a forest of larch trees in the grounds of the Evian Resort, a cross between a Savoyard barn and Russian datcha, the Grange au Lac is without a doubt one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world. This outstanding venue, which unexpectedly comes into view, came about from the good friendship between Antoine Riboud, at the time CEO of BSN (the future Danone Group) and the immense cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. An architectural and acoustic challenge taken on by the architect Patrick Bouchain.
La Grange au Lac
Inaugurated on 20 May 1993 by French Culture Minister Jacques Toubon, the hall is built entirely from cedar and pine wood except for the huge aluminium shell with alucobond petals on the ceiling to provide perfect acoustics. La Grange au Lac sounds like the inside of a cello and at the back of the stage, birch trees are a reminder of the homeland of the cellist to whom it is dedicated, Mstislav Rostropovich.
It combines the luxury of Murano glass chandeliers and the frugality of the wooden seating. It is a simple barn that one could come across by chance in the forest of larch trees - but is also without a doubt one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
Spectators have direct access to the stalls and galleries via covered staircases positioned along the façade.
Richness and magic
Small and modest on the outside, on entering the building turns into a cathedral, the omnipresent smell of wood adding to the richness and magic inside.
