Chamonix is world famous. At the foot of Mt Blanc ( 4808m. 15,770ft ), the highest mountain in western Europe, Chamonix's alpine town atmosphere and spectacular scenery attract people from all over the globe. It boasts of having one of the highest cable cars in the world.

The skiing, climbing and walking are all superb and, with the Mt Blanc tunnel to Italy temporarily closed, the valley air is as clear and pure as the high mountain air.

Take The Aiguille du Midi cable car from the valley floor to the summit at 3842m (12,605ft ). From the terraces at the top station the views are stunning.

Another way to get closer to the mountains is to catch the Montenvers train. This funicular railway climbs from the valley floor to the impressive Mer de Glace glacier.

The best views of the Mt Blanc massif are from the top of the Brevent cable car.

Statues and Architecture

There are 2 famous statues in the centre of Chamonix. The one shown here in this photo commemorates Horace Bendicte de Saussure who, in 1760, offered a "substantial" cash prize to the first person to reach the summit of Mt Blanc. (This prize was claimed by Jaques Balmat, 26 years later).
A nearby statue is that of Dr Gabriel Michel Paccard, Jacques Balmat's partner on that historic ascent.

The Alpine Museum provides an essential background to the history and architecture of the valley.

Don't miss the colourful weekly markets and their range of local produce.

Many small alpine towns in the Haute Savoie have markets on different days of the week.