Chamonix
Step into the legend and discover the birthplace of mountaineering and a hikers’ paradise: Chamonix is the destination of a lifetime.
In the 18th century, Chamonix still lived off agriculture. In 1741, two Englishmen, William Windham and Richard Pococke, set off to explore the valley. They discovered the Glacier des Bois. They were fascinated by the expanse of ice and gave it its present name, the Mer de Glace (or Sea of Ice).
They were enthralled by their expedition and when they returned to London they decided to write about their experiences which set off adventurers from all over the world to explore and hence the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tourist industry was born.
In 1760, Horace Bénédict de Saussure (a scientist from Geneva) offered a reward to the first person to reach Mont Blanc. On 8 August 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard, both from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, made the first-ever ascent of the mountain. A year later, de Saussure himself reached the top of Mont Blanc with help from Jacques Balmat. The expeditions could naturally only take place in summer and local farmers became guides and hoteliers which was important for the locals in kicking off early tourism and providing much-needed income.
Chamonix is a fascinating traditional resort with a bustling atmosphere and is excellent for activities of all kinds. Chamonix offers a good range of attractions, over 100 shops, bars and restaurants, a casino, as well as an Olympic ice rink, a sports complex with swimming pool, water slides & fitness centre, 19 tennis courts, a climbing wall, bowling and a 3-screen cinema.
Describing all the activities that are available in Chamonix area would be long but with more than 46 different sports activities you will be spoilt for choice. There is even an incredibly scenic 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones senior.
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced hiker or somewhere in between, the Valley offers 430km of well-maintained and equipped hiking trails to suit all abilities.
Chamonix is the world's top trail running destination. Set in an exceptional natural environment, the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley offers a variety of spectacular trails for all abilities. Every summer the valley hosts major international competitions and attracts athletes from all over the world. Not to be missed: the now famous Mont-Blanc Marathon and the must-see UTMB®.
About its location
The Chamonix valley is situated in the north-westerly part of the Alps, just 15 km from the Swiss border via the Col des Montets and 15 km from Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel. This valley, comprising Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix and Vallorcine, also contains Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak at 4,810.45m.
The valley is of glacial origin and measures 17km, from the Col des Montets at the northernmost point to the Taconnaz torrent. The town centre is situated at an altitude of 1035m.
Some recommendations for visits in Chamonix this summer
- Europe's highest cable car in Chamonix will take you to the fascinating Aiguille du Midi. The views from Europe’s highest cable car station (3842m) are literally breathtaking. It is the closest you can get to the Mont-Blanc without climbing training! From there you can walk back to the famous ‘Mer de Glace’ with ease and catch Montenvers train back to town
- The Montenvers romantic red train journey to the famous ‘Mer de Glace’ or ‘Sea of Ice’ is also captivating. Discover what a real glacier is: 7km long, 40sq km in area, 200 metres thick. Also available on site is a crystal gallery, a wildlife exhibition and the famous ice grotto
- Reach Italy by cable car with the Helbronner cable car, which flies over the glaciers for more than 5km from the Aiguille du Midi. The Mont-Blanc tramway is the highest rack & pinion train in France and takes you from Saint-Gervais to the Eagle’s Nest (‘Nid d’Aigle’) at 2372m.
Read about Chamonix in our blog
The Inside Track: A Summer Holiday in Chamonix
7 summer holiday experiences not to be missed in Chamonix
