Chamonix
Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, Skiing, Mountaineering, Tour du Mont Blanc, Paragliding, Alpine Town
Chamonix lies in a deep valley in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe. The first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786 marked the birth of modern mountaineering, and the town has been a magnet for climbers, skiers and walkers ever since.
Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, and today its ski areas, including the Grands Montets and Brévent, attract skiers from around the world, along with the famous off-piste descent of the Vallée Blanche. Cable cars and mountain railways make the high peaks accessible to everyone.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car climbs to a viewing platform at around 3,800 metres, while the Montenvers rack railway leads to the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. In summer, the valley is the starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of Europe's great long-distance hikes.
Top Reasons to Visit Chamonix
1. The Aiguille du Midi
Ride one of the world's highest cable cars for close-up views of Mont Blanc and step into the glass box of Step into the Void.
2. The Mer de Glace
Take the Montenvers train to France's largest glacier and learn how it has changed over time.
3. Skiing and the Vallée Blanche
Ski the Grands Montets and Brévent, or descend the Vallée Blanche with a mountain guide.
4. Hiking and the Tour du Mont Blanc
Walk balcony trails to Lac Blanc or set off on the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland.
5. Mountaineering and Paragliding
Climb with the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, the world's oldest mountain guide company, or paraglide over the valley.
