Chamonix

In 1741, two young British aristocrats, William Windham and Richard Pococke, discovered the village of Priory of Chamouni (the original name of Chamonix), at a time when they had no idea that this small alpine village and its glaciers would have an impact on all of Europe.

In 1770, the first inn opened, marking the early development of the hospitality industry and the beginning of mountaineering expeditions. In 1786, Mont Blanc was first conquered, ushering in a new era for the mountain. In 1816, the first luxury hotel was established.

However, the major turning point in Chamonix’s development came with the construction of roads and railways. In 1866, the first horse-drawn carriage reached the village square of Chamonix; in 1901, the train between St Gervais Le Fayet and Chamonix began operating. The railway greatly improved winter transportation to the town, giving rise to winter sports tourism.

In 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, and the Chamonix Valley was hailed as the Mecca of winter sports.

On June 23, 2024, the Olympic flame for the Paris Olympics will arrive at Chamonix, the site of the first Winter Olympics, where celebration events will be held.

Surrounded by the breathtaking French Alps, Chamonix is remarkably similar to the Himalayas: deep-glazed glaciers stretch from the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc all the way down to the valley floor, just 4.8 kilometers away. Thanks to its unique geographical environment, Chamonix has become a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. The first Winter Olympic Games were held here in 1924. Today, beyond the thrill of snow sports, Chamonix has grown into a renowned tourist destination in France, bringing unexpected joy and relaxation to countless visitors. Its train station is located at the end of Avenue Michel Croz.

The skiing history of the Chamonix region dates back to the opening of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, and it was from then that Chamonix gradually became a skiing paradise in Europe. Boasting some of the highest and best cable cars in Europe, Chamonix can take you directly from the base of the mountains to the 3,842-meter-high Aiguille du Midi, offering you the closest views of the majestic Alps and the charming scenery of Chamonix in the French style. In addition to skiing and mountaineering, there are also more thrilling activities such as helicopter tours and skydiving.

On June 23, 2024, the Olympic flame for the Paris Olympics will arrive at Chamonix, the site of the first Winter Olympics.