Chamonix Mont-Blanc

In 1741, two Englishmen, William Windham and Richard Pococke, recount in literary gazettes their visit to the valley and their “expedition” towards a gigantic glacier that they named the Mer de Glace. The curiosity aroused by their story quickly brought the first tourists who then embarked on what would become mountaineering.

During the year 1760, the rich Genevan aristocrat Horace-Bénédict de Saussure promises a strong reward to the first to reach the summit of Mont-Blanc and on August 8, 1786, two Chamoniards, Jacques Balmat and the doctor Michel Paccard achieve it.

In 1770, tourists being more and more numerous, Mrs Coutterand opens first  hostel  of the valley: the Hôtel d'Italie. In 1783, the number of visitors for the summer season was estimated at 1,500. The Hôtel de l'Union, the first luxury hotel, was built in 1816. 

In 1908, a first section of the Montenvers railway was inaugurated. At that time, it took almost an hour to travel the seven kilometers to access the Mer de Glace. It will be fully opened in 1909, at the same time as the first section of the Mont-Blanc tramway.

The first Winter Olympic Games took place in Chamonix in 1924. 2024 will therefore bring many celebrations on the occasion of this centenary and in preparation for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Gourmet restaurants including 9 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Chamonix Golf. Classified by specialist guides as one of the most beautiful mountain courses, it has the particularity of being completely flat. You will discover excellence in green, white and blue.

Shopping in town or a simple café on the terrace... the choice is yours.

Summer 2023 events

MONT-BLANC MARATHON

From June 23 to 26:No less than 8 races for this major trail event: 90km, 42km, Young Race Marathon, 23km, 10km, KM Vertical, Star Duo and Mini cross. “Trail Camp” exhibitor village in Chamonix. www.montblancmarathon.net

ARGEN'TRAIL

July 24:Nature race in the mountains and independently - mountain trail.

https://www.argentrail.com/

ARC'TERYX ALPINE ACADEMY

From June 30 to July 3:In Chamonix, outdoor master classes on mountaineering, movie evenings, concerts, professional demos, climbing modules and even more free activities for all levels.

http://chamonix.arcteryxacademy.com

CLIMBING WORLD CUP

From July 8 to 10:A competition as renowned as it is spectacular in downtown Chamonix.

COSMOJAZZ FESTIVAL

From July 23 to 30:The festival invented and led by André Manoukian takes over the entire Chamonix Valley. Concerts at altitude, in the city center and jam session in the evening.

www.cosmojazzfestival.com

THE NIGHT OF THE BEARS

August 12 and 13:

Artistic and environmental event in Vallorcine.