Coordinates: 45°55′23″N 6°52′11″E / 45.9230555556°N 6.86972222222°E
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Commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc |
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 Chamonix Valley seen from the south |
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| Location | |
  Chamonix
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| Administration | |
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| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône Alpes |
| Department | Haute-Savoie |
| Arrondissement | Bonneville |
| Canton | Chamonix-Mont-Blanc |
| Intercommunality | Pays du Mont-Blanc |
| Mayor | Éric Fournier (2008–2014) |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 995–4,810 m (3,264–15,781 ft) (avg. 1,035 m/3,396 ft) |
| Land area1 | 245.46 km2 (94.77 sq mi) |
| Population2 | 9,514 (2006) |
| - Density | 39 /km2 (100 /sq mi) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 74056/ 74400 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| 2 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or, more commonly, Chamonix (French pronunciation: [ʃamɔni]) is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It was the site of the 1924 Winter Olympics, the first Winter Olympics. The commune's population of around 9,800 ranks 865th within the nation of France[1].
Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges, Chamonix shares both the summit of Mont Blanc and the title of highest commune in France with its neighboring commune, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The commune is well known and loved by skiers and by mountain athletes of all types. Mont Blanc, at a height of 4,810 metres, is the third most visited natural site in the world[2]. This lends the area a notably cosmopolitan atmosphere. With an area of 245 square kilometres, Chamonix is the fourth largest commune in mainland France.
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The commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc includes 16 villages and hamlets. From north to south: Le Tour (1462 m[3]), Montroc, Le Planet, Argentière (1252 m[3]), Les Chosalets, Le Lavancher, Les Tines, Les Bois, Les-Praz-de-Chamonix (1060 m[3]), Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Les Pècles, Les Mouilles, Les Barrats, Les Pélerins, Les Gaillands, and Les Bossons (1012 m[3]).
Chamonix is a popular winter sports resort town in France. As the highest European mountain west of Russia, Mont Blanc holds a special allure for mountain climbers, and Mark Twight has described the town as "the death-sport capital of the world" because Chamonix serves as an ideal playground for almost all types of outdoor activity, especially in their more extreme variants, such as ice climbing, rock climbing, extreme skiing, paragliding, rafting, and canyoning.
Chamonix is famous for its spectacular cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m). Constructed in 1955 it was then the highest cable car in the world. Together with a cable car system going up to the Point Helbronner (3462 m) from Entréves in the Aosta Valley (Italy) it is possible to cross the entire Mont Blanc Massif by cable car.
In the summer months Chamonix is a mecca for alpine mountaineers, drawn to the area by challenges like the north face of the Dru, the Frendo Spur on the Aiguille du Midi, traversing the Alps on the legendary GR 5 footpath or more accessible challenges like summitting Mont Blanc (by a number of possible routes).
Apart from high-mountain summer sports, Chamonix is also a destination for the hardcore mountain biker. As well as the obvious lift-assisted areas for Freeriders there are hundreds of kilometres of challenging hidden singletrack trails - often only found with the help of guides.
Chamonix is also a haven for advanced skiing and snowboarding. The Vallée Blanche glacier runs down from below Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Aiguille du Midi to the valley. This spectacular route can be skied or snowboarded, though care should be exercised due to crevasses. Aside from that, the valley has about six separate ski areas, including Le Brévent (a short but steep walk from the town centre), La Flégère (at Les Praz), Les Planards (ski area for beginners and early intermediates), Les Grands Montets (at Argentière) and Domaine de Balme (at Le Tours). Many of these provide challenging terrain, especially off-piste, with runs down to Switzerland.
There is also a ski resort at Les Houches.
The valley was first mentioned in 1091, when it was granted by the Count of the Genevois to the great Benedictine house of St. Michel de la Cluse, near Turin, which by the early 13th century had established a priory there. However, in 1786 the inhabitants bought their freedom from the canons of Sallanches, to whom the priory had been transferred in 1519.
In 1530, the inhabitants obtained from the Count of the Genevois the privilege of holding two fairs a year, while the valley was often visited by the civil officials and by the bishops of Geneva (first recorded visit in 1411, while St. Francis de Sales came there in 1606). But travellers for pleasure were very rare.
The first party to publish (1744) an account of their visit was that of Dr. Richard Pococke, Mr. William Windham and other Englishmen who visited the Mer de Glace in 1741. In 1742 came P. Martel and several other Genevese, in 1760 H.B. de Saussure, and rather later Marc Th. Bourrit.
The growth of tourism in the early 19th century led to the formation of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix in 1821, to regulate access to the mountain slopes (which were communally or co-operatively owned), and this association held a monopoly of guiding from the town until it was broken by French government action in 1892; thereafter guides were required to hold a diploma issued by a commission dominated by civil servants and members of the French Alpine Club rather than local residents.
From the late 19th century on, tourist development was dominated by national and international initiatives rather than local entrepreneurs, though the local community was increasingly dependent upon and active in the tourist industry.
The commune successfully lobbied to change its name from Chamonix to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in 1916. However, following the loss of its monopoly, the Compagnie reformed as an association of local guides, and retained an important role in local society; it provided the services of a friendly society to its members, and in the 20th century many of them were noted mountaineers and popularisers of mountain tourism, for example the novelist Roger Frison-Roche, the first member of the Compagnie not to be born in Chamonix.
The holding of the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924 further raised Chamonix's profile as an international tourist destination.
By the 1960s, agriculture had been reduced to a marginal activity, while the number of tourist beds available rose to around 60,000 by the end of the 20th century, with about 5 million visitors a year.
The town of Chamonix is serviced by French Route Nationale 205 (RN 205), nicknamed the Route blanche[4], or "white route", due to its snowiness. This is an extension of French autoroute 40 (A40), similarly nicknamed the autoroute blanche, which ends at Le Fayet, a village in the commune of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains[5]. The 11.6-km Mont Blanc Tunnel originates here, linking Chamonix to Courmayeur in Italy[6]. Chamonix is linked to Switzerland by what used to be RN 506a. In 2006, it was converted to a Route Départementale 1506, with a part of it integrated into RN 205.
Chamonix is served by the metre-gauge St Gervais-Vallorcine Line, operated by SNCF. The line from Saint Gervais (on the standard-gauge rail network) to Chamonix opened in 1901; it was extended to Vallorcine in 1908. The line holds the record for the steepest gradient on any standard (i.e. adhesion) railway.
From Vallorcine, the rail route continues over the border into Switzerland, meeting the SBB network at Martigny. This latter section, a metre-gauge cog railway, is operated by Transports de Martigny et Régions SA. The train service from Vallorcine to Martigny is known as the Mont Blanc Express. Timetables on the St Gervais-Vallorcine and Vallorcine-Martigny sections are synchronized.[7]
The 5.1-km Montenvers Railway is a cog railway that provides access to the tourist site of Montenvers. Opened in 1909, its rail station was built right next to SNCF's Chamonix station on the St Gervais-Vallorcine Line line. In fact the two stations are directly linked[8]. Montenvers provides further tourist access to middle and high mountain areas.
Chamonix has one of the highest cable cars in the world, which links the town to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 3842 m[9]. On the other side of the valley, another cable car links Chamonix to the viewpoint of Planpraz. This cable car is based on an older system built in 1920, modernized in 1979, and upgraded again in 2008. A second line links Planpraz to the summit of Le Brévent at 2525 m[10][11]. Many other cable cars exist in the valley, and are heavily used by skiers and residents alike.
The nearest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport. Just over one hour by motorway. Airport Transfers are available.
Buses also circle throughout the valley all year round[12].
Chamonix is twinned with:
Aspen (Colorado)
Cilaos (La Reunion)
Courmayeur (Italy)
Davos (Switzerland)
Fujiyoshida (at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan)
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany).
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Chamonix is a famous resort in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc. Also it is credited with hosting the "I"First Winter Olympic games in 1924.
Chamonix is connected to the valley by a highway and a small railway line. It is also connected to Courmayeur in Italy by road via the tunnel under the Mont-Blanc [1], and Martigny in Switzerland by road and rail.
In the winter there are TGV lines that go directly to St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet), where you can switch to a small local train to ride up into Chamonix. There is also a TGV that leaves directly from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to Lyon, and you can transfer to St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) from there. Via St. Gervais, sleeper trains to Paris are also easily accessible.
The Chamonix valley can be considered everything between Servoz and the Swiss border, or the towns of: Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Les Praz, Argentiere, and Vallorcine.
If you plan to fly to Geneva and hire a car, the route to Chamonix is relatively straight-forward, covering a distance of 88 km. Chamonix is located 80 km southeast of Geneva, Switzerland, and driving time is about one hour via the Autoroute Blanche (A40) motorway. Chamonix is 226 km from Lyon and 612 km from Paris.
Geneva is the most convenient and accessible airport for tourists traveling to Chamonix. Chamexpress.com [2] run a timetabled daily service with departures every 45 minutes to Chamonix from Geneva Airport throughout the winter and summer seasons at 25€ per person.
If you consider taking the more than one cable car trips for sightseeing or skiing, you should seriously consider buying Mont-Blanc multipass [5]. You have passes for 1-10 days at very good prices. Also, the website provides very good information on possible activities and hikes from the cable car stops.
Take the telepherique to the top of a nearby peak. Hike down, it's easy! Or try hikes between two telepheriques, for example:
Get a fantastic view on both the Mont-Blanc/Aiguilles de Chamonix range, and the ribbon of the Fiz limestone range:
Several great glacier hikes exist. Even if you can't get right up to the glaciers and touch them, you can still get close enough to get some amazing views.
The first three could feasibly be done in one day if you are up early and have a car, but Bionnassay will require a half-day.
It's France. The food is all good, though it can be quite expensive in the touristy places. Open a can of Ravioli from the supermarket and eat it with your freshly purchased Swiss Army Knife. If you've been hiking all day, it'll be the best meal you've ever had.
Other regional specialties (Quand meme!)
If you find you've had a bit more cheese that you would really like, there's a very nice Japanese restaurant, Satsuki.
For trendy, 'nouveau French', try these restaurants:
Drinking in Chamonix is relatively expensive. Expect to pay around €6 in most places for a beer, though most places will sell pitchers for less. There are many happy hours during the late afternoon. The Microbrasserie de Chamonix (MBC) has different kinds of microbrews, in an American/Canadian ambiance (serves onion rings and hot wings, for example). Otherwise, most places serve standard pilsners, such as Heineken or 1664. Just ask for 'un demi pression' for tap beer, or a 'demi panache' for a mix of half beer, half Sprite, a refreshing alternative with less alcohol. A pint is called a "serieux" or for better value, order a "pitcher".
Chamonix and its surroundings are stuffed with hotels, lodges and campings, ranging from basic and cheap to very luxe and expensive.
Climbing the Mont Blanc is popular among alpinists. The climb should however not be attempted by people lacking mountaing climbing experience and equipment, even using the easiest route (voie royale).
More generally, all high mountain hiking, climbing, and skiing, is potentially dangerous. Bad weather may turn an otherwise easy hike into a strenuous and possibly fatal journey ; weather in the mountains can change at short notice and you should always inquire about the latest forecast. Always carry a cell phone, should you need to call for rescue, though there is no guarantee it will work everywhere. Keep it turned off unless needed, so as not to drain its batteries needlessly.
After snowfalls, in some areas, avalanches can be expected — either natural or triggered in order to prevent further avalanching. Always inquire about avalanche hazards before embarking in hikes in the snow or off-track skiing. Even if you do not fear for yourself, please show consideration for the people who may be underneath you.
Altitude sickness may also be an issue. Using aerial lifts, one may get very fast to high altitude areas. For instance, when going up the Aiguille du Midi, you get lifted from around 1000m altitude (Chamonix) to 3840m in a very short time. You may experience shortness of breath and other symptoms.
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Singular |
Plural |
Chamonix
[[File:|thumbnail|Chamonix]] Chamonix is a French communes next to the Mont Blanc. It is located in the Haute-Savoie department. The population of the commune is about 10,000 people (1999 census). It hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1924.
  | Comprehensive Chamonix web site in both French and English - Chamonix Mont Blanc: an A-Z of Chamonix visitor information from Chamonix.net |
| | Chamonet.com - popular independent Chamonix website with webcams, accommodation, news and lots more - Chamonix Mont Blanc : Resort Information Chamonix, France > webcams > snow reports > chalets > video > hotels > weather > ski info |
| | Official site of the city of Chamonix Mont-Blanc - Bienvenue à Chamonix Mont-Blanc |
| | Photos of the Chamonix Valley - Photographs of the Chamonix Valley |
| | Photos, Stories and Videos of Ascents of Mont Blanc - Pictures, stories and Videos of Climbing Mont Blanc |
| | Les Praz de Chamonix - Photos, reviews and information on this Chamonix village - Les Praz de Chamonix |
| | General information on Chamonix - from Chamonix Tourist Information Board and Chamonix Info - Chamonix Information; hotels, ski slopes, restaurants, weather, maps & more - ChamonixInfo.com |
| | Chamonix 1930 historic photographs - - Retro Ski - Nevasport.com |
| | chamonix photos - guide Annecy photos lac d'Annecy: chamonix mont blanc |
| | Chamonix Travel Guide - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc travel guide with information on hotels, restaurants and much more |
| | http://www.maison-jaune.com - Luxury ski chalet in Chamonix valley - Chalet Chamonix: Ski in, ski out, luxury chalet in Chamonix Les Houches |
| | Chamonix Self Catered - On line resource for the rental of self catering accommodation in Chamonix - Chamonix Self Catered Holidays - chalet and apartment accommodation |
| | Olympic Games in Chamonix 1924 - JJOO Chamonix 1.924 - Retro Ski - Nevasport.com |
| | Chalet in the Mountains : Chalet accommodation available summer and winter - Chalet in the Mountains : self catered chalet & apartment accommodation for rent les houches, chamonix valley, french alps : 8 persons / 16 persons |
| | Budget to Luxury Chalet and Apartment holiday rental accomodation in the Chamonix valley - www.alpinebeds.com - Alpinebeds - The Alpine Accommodation Specialists - Alpine Rental Accommodation, Ski Chalet, Apartment and Studio rental in Chamonix, Les Houches, Argentiere, Chamonix valley and Saint Gervais les Bains |
| | Reliable and extensive on- and off-mountain information for Chamonix Mont Blanc ski area - Chamonix Ski Resort |
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