Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Local team based in Chamonix, easy to reach
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, truly cosmopolitan!
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an iconic destination that attracts tourists from the world over, to visit the sights or enjoy the sports. While they are here, they cannot help but soak up the extraordinary history tied to the conquest of Mont Blanc and its peaks and the origins of mountaineering.
When Chamonix-Mont-Blanc turned from farming to tourism
In the 18th century, Chamonix still lived off agriculture, despite the difficulties encountered farming in an area with long, harsh winters.
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 its present name, the “Mer de Glace” (or Sea of Ice).
They were enthralled by their expedition and, when they returned to London, they wrote about it in a number of literary gazettes. From then on, adventurers from the world over were keen to explore the wonders of this mysterious territory, 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 Balmat.
The arrival of these explorers changed the life of local residents. The expeditions could only take place in summer and local farmers became guides and hoteliers, at least for part of the year.
Aiguille du midi cable car
Mer de Glace et train du Montenvers
Brévent cable car
Flégère gondola and Index lift
Mont-Blanc Museum
Your next adventures in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
When Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Shifted from Agriculture to Tourism
In the 18th century, the village relied on agriculture for its livelihood, despite the challenges of farming in an environment with long, harsh winters.
In 1741, two Englishmen—William Windham and Richard Pocock—set out on an adventure in the valley. They discovered the Glacier des Bois. Fascinated by this expanse of ice, they gave it
its current name: the“Mer de Glace.”
Amazed by their expedition, they returned to London, where they recounted their journey in various literary journals. From then on, adventurers from around the world also wanted to witness the wonders of this mysterious region, leading to the development of tourism in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
In 1760, the Genevan scholar Horace Bénédict de Saussure offered a reward to whoever reached Mont Blanc. On August 8, 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard, both natives of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, blazed the trail. A year later, de Saussure himself reached the summit with the help of Jacques Balmat.
The arrival of these explorers quickly changed the lives of the people of Chamonix. Expeditions took place exclusively in the summer, and local farmers became guides or innkeepers for at least part of the year.
What to see in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix by the Numbers
- 1,035 m
- Elevation of the town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- 4,805 m
- Elevation of Mont Blanc
