Chamonix: An Extraordinary History—Major Landmarks

Following the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, the growing popularity of the Chamonix Valley led to the construction of the first true hotels, notably the Grand Hôtel de l’Union in 1816, and a little later, the Hôtel de la Couronne and the Hôtel de la Tour.

As early as 1840, the first mountain hotel opened at Montenvers. With its exceptional view, it became the valley’s premier tourist destination.

The arrival of the train in 1901 was a technical feat that led to a rapid increase in the number of tourists.

Over the course of 100 years, this village—which had previously relied mainly on agriculture and pastoralism—underwent a transformation and became a major tourist destination, developing all the infrastructure befitting a city, with modern architecture and luxurious hotels. Chamonix thus welcomed prominent figures from around the world.

In the high mountains, the first high-altitude refuge—the Grands Mulets—had already been built on the route to Mont Blanc in 1853.

In 1909, a rack-and-pinion train was built to the Hôtel du Montenvers. Curious visitors could observe the glacier from their rooms, while mountaineers set out to explore the most remote peaks.

Mountain huts such as Leschaux, Le Goûter, and Le Couvercle gradually began to appear.

In June 1924, the Glaciers cable car was inaugurated; as France’s first cable car, it became the highest in the world.

In 1930, the Brévent cable car, which reaches an altitude of 2,525 meters, remained France’s highest cable car for about ten years.

In 1954 and 1955, the Aiguille du Midi cable car was built. At the time, it was the highest cable car in the world. Even today, its construction remains an architectural feat, and it makes riders’ heads spin.

Chamonix continues to reinvent itself by commissioning renowned architect Renzo Piano to rebuild the Grands-Montets cable car.

The renovation of mountain infrastructure ensures that access remains available to as many people as possible in an exceptional setting.