Thursday September 2nd - 16:36

CHAMONIX.COM - Chamonix valley and Mont-Blanc massif official website

Cham'today

afternoon

morning

Today

min +4°C / max +22°C

Sunny - cool in the morning - mild in the afternoon

Sunrise : 6:55 - Sunset : 20:07

5 day forecast of September 02nd at 08:44

Road conditions

Fayet - Chamonix : normal traffic conditions

Chamonix - Argentière : normal traffic conditions

Col des montets : normal traffic conditions

Tunnel du Mont-Blanc : normal traffic conditions

Detailed information(access to Chamonix - Mont-Blanc Tunnel)

Webcam

webcam list

Lifts in real-time

téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi (3842 m)

Montenvers - Mer de Glace (1913 m)

Planpraz (2000 m) - Brévent (2525 m)

Flégère (1890 m) - Index (2385 m)

Tour - Charamillon (1850 m) - Autannes (2270 m)

Lognan (1975 m) - Grands Montets (3300 m)

Tramway du Mont-Blanc (2372 m)

Detailed information

Special information

Montenvers information

Works to securise the landslide area have been completed. We therefore have the pleasure to announce the reopening of the Montenvers train, as from Thursday, July 1st. The site will be fully open.

Consult the lift information chart.

Snowreport

June 03rd 2010

Ski areas : 0 /8
Slopes : 0 /68
Cross-country skiing : 0 km

Detailed information

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Office de Tourisme ****
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
85, place du Triangle de l'Amitié
BP 25
F-74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Tel +33 450 53 00 24
Fax +33 450 53 58 90
info@chamonix.com

Timetable
Everyday
from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Bureau d'Argentière
24, route du village
F-74400 Argentière
Tel +33 450 54 02 14
Fax +33 450 54 06 39
argentiere.info@chamonix.com

Timetable
Everyday
from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

home > History and heritage

History from Chamouni to Chamonix

When two young English aristrocrats, William Windham et Richard Pocock, discover the Priory of Chamouni 1741, they have no idea that the recital of their visit to this small mountain village and its glaciers, will have an impact on the whole of Europe. Wealthy tourists, in particular the English, come to admire the mysterious Mer de Glace. The huntsmen and crystal-finders, with their knowledege of the mountains, act as their guides.

The first inn opens in 1770 and marks the early development of the hotel trade and the first mountaineering exploits. The conquest of Mont-Blanc in 1786, contributes to the demystification of the summits and seals the destiny of this mountain community. The influence of pre-romantic and romantic writers also helps to alleviate the fear of the unknown and consecrates the mountains as being an expression of nature totally preserved. The first luxury hotel was built in 1816 and the hotel industry continued to thrive through the 1800's, crowned by 3 splendid palaces built in the early 1900's. Certain dates are synonymous with the development of summer tourism : the creation of the Compagnie des Guides in 1821 and the inauguration of the Montenvers Mer de Glace cog railway in 1908.

However the major turning point in Chamonix's development was the creation of road and rail access. In 1866 under the reign of Napoleon III, the first horse-drawn coaches alighted in the village square and in 1901 the railway line between St Gervais Le Fayet and Chamonix was inaugurated. The arrival of the train much improved access to Chamonix in winter and opened the way to winter-sports tourism, with Doctor Payot being the precursor in the valley.

The first Winter Olympic games were hosted by Chamonix in 1924 and consecrated the valley as a winter Mecca, with an important number of lifts being built in the ensuing years. First were the Glacier cable cars (no longer existing) and Planpraz, followed by the Brevent, the Aiguille du Midi and the Flégère. Chamonix today, is not only an important tourist destination, but it is also a strategic link with Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel. The town strives to maintain a healthy balance between tourist and transport demands and the preservation of an exceptional natural environment.

Evidence from the past
Chamonix, a mountain town of a thousand facets

Chamonix has expanded under the influence of tourism and has developed through several different architetcural periods. The town is doted with a rich and diverse architectural heritage where traditional and modern styles rub shoulders. Wander through the town and outlying villages and you will discover baroque churches and protestant chapels dating from several hundred years, hotels and palaces from the golden age, « Art Deco » facades, traditional farmhouses, colossal villas and chalets contrasting with modern constructions. It is this architectural diversity that contributes to Chamonix's unique and undefinable charm.

Restaurants in Chamonix - Inspired Cuisine

Traditional savoyard dishes of the past, were based on local production and readily available ingredients : potatoes, cheese and dried meats. Chamonix perpetuates these traditions and you may sample delicious fondues, raclettes, tartiflettes, reblochonnades and other grilled cheese dishes. Not to be omitted is the famous « farcon », a speciality made with grated potatoes, bacon, prunes, raisins, egges and cream... delicious!
Once again the advent of tourism has contributed to the diversity of culinary skills and menus and one can discover dishes from the world over (Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican....), with creative restaurants marrying tradition and gastronomic skills for the pleasure of all.

the restaurant directory