Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Guide
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (abbreviated Chamonix) is a mountain town in southeastern France. It is located in the northwestern part of the Alps near the borders with Switzerland and Italy. Chamonix and its valley of the same name are dominated by the highest mountain of the Mont Blanc Alps (4,810 m above sea level). The city center itself is located at an altitude of 1035 m. The river Arve, which flows through the city and the valley, flows further into Geneva, where it flows into the Rhine. About ten thousand people live in Chamonix.
Accommodation
In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc we offer cheap accommodation in lower category hotels, up to comfortable apartments and luxury hotels. Most hotels have a swimming pool, hot tub or sauna. In the Chamonix Valley you can also stay in Les Houches, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains or Argentiére. The fact that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a Mecca of winter sports is also proved by the fact that the first Winter Olympic Games were held here in 1924. At the end of the 20th century, the number of tourist beds increased to 60,000 with approximately 5 million visitors a year.
History
The first inhabitants of the valley were the monks of the Benedictine order, who built a monastery here at the beginning of the 11th century. For centuries, Chamonix was considered a poor village. The turning point did not occur until the end of the 18th century, when two young British aristocrats (W. Windham and R. Pocock) visited the village and discovered the local natural wealth. Rich English tourists then gradually began to arrive in Chamonix. Other milestones in this destination were the conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786, the development of the hotel industry in the early 19th century and the construction of transport infrastructure. In 1901, a railway line was opened between St Gervais Le Fayet and Chamonix.
Transport
In the valley you can use the train line, which runs from Saint Gervais-le Fayet, Martigny (Switzerland), Servoz, Les Houches, Argentiere to Vallorcine. The train runs every hour. Or it is possible to use the bus lines of public transport, which will take you to all ski areas. For ski pass holders, this bus service is free between Servoz and Le Tour.
Activities
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not only popular as a ski resort. This place is perfect for practicing all sports from rock and glacier climbing, paragliding, rafting to skating, swimming or golf. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It will take you to an incredible height of 3842 meters. If you get to the top, don't miss the ride over the Géant du Géant. The Le Brévent cable car will take you to the place where you can best see Mont Blanc.