Chamonix's History

Although the Chamonix valley has been inhabited since the 11th century, its first recorded “tourist” visit was made by 2 Englishmen, William Windham & Richard Pococke, during the summer of 1741. Word of their discovery soon spread and travellers, adventurers and scientist soon followed in there footsteps.

The first Inn was completed in 1770 and Mt Blanc was finally conquered in 1786 by 2 local men, Jacque Balmat & Michel Paccard which cemented Chamonix’ reputation as the birthplace of mountaineering.

The real turning point for Chamonix however was the creation of road & rail links which for the first time allowed less adventurous tourists to visit and visit they did! The rail link finished in 1901 allowed access for winter visitors and skiing moved from transport to recreation.