Bistrot des sports

A Chamonix bistro steeped in history...

Born with the last century, the Bistrot des Sports was in its prime called Brasserie de La Poste. It was here that the mules waited, bit by bit, to take the beautiful people on the steep paths of the Massif, while the returnees chilled out at the bar.

In the early days of mountain excursions, the rentourneur was the guide's assistant, responsible for the delicate task of looking after the mule (and, incidentally, preventing the clientele from falling into the ravines!).

The last vestiges of these bygone days can still be found in the back yard, where a few rings were used to tie up these brave beasts (the mules... not the rentourneurs!).



In 1924, the relay became a mandatory meeting place for athletes, journalists and members of the Olympic Committee during the first Winter Games. One of the finest pages in this history was written by Roger Frison-Roche, the illustrious mountaineer and writer who bought the Bistrot in 1934. A room was temporarily added to the original structure, where 70 years later the bar still stands, and the place was renamed Brasserie des Sports.

Just a few ropes into the 21st century, the Brasserie des Sports is given a new lease of life as the Bistrot des Sports.

Whatever the bottle... this is the place to stop today to enjoy the Chamonix atmosphere!