Histoire de Chamonix

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.

La construction du chamin de fer permettra plus tard de faire venir de nombreux touristes moins aventureux mais tout aussi curieux ! De moyen de transport, le ski devient désormais un loisir populaire.