Chamonix

Chamonix is the world capital of mountaineering and mountain sports and the third most visited natural site in the world. At the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest summit of the Alps, on the border between France and Italy, Chamonix is one of those mythical places where tourists from around the world gather; it is not unusual to pass Japanese, Koreans, Scandinavians, Americans and even Nepalese visitors in the mountain climbing capital whose reputation has long reached far beyond the frontiers of Europe.

Chamonix is a mixture of magnificent scenery and history shaped by men whom Lionel Terray called « Conquistadors of the Useless ». Chamonix is no ordinary valley.  The people who come here are fascinated by mountains and want to see legendary summits like Aiguille Verte, Drus, Grandes Jorasses, Mont-Maudit, Mont-Blanc, which are sometimes inaccessible and yet appear so close from the numerous pavement cafés in the town.

Take the cable car for a steep 3,842m ascent of the Aiguille du Midi to admire mythical Mont-Blanc, the 4,810m high white mass which fascinates nature and mountain enthusiasts.  The impressive, majestic summit has spectacular views of the Jura and Vosges Mountains and the Massif Central. Look down to admire the beautiful valley bustling valley.

Chamonix has a local population of around 10,000 but this is multiplied by 10 with the influx of tourists, climbers, walkers, students and day-trippers all year round.

Chamonix is not like the other resorts in the valley as it is busy all year round, which is what everyone loves about it ! André Manoukian chose it for his Maison des Artistes, a concert venue worthy of a big city. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, its restaurants are friendly and some are gastronomic. It’s a sporty town but one that appreciates good food too. Head for a pub at the end of the afternoon to meet climbing enthusiasts and listen to their anecdotes.