Meeting the Group

 Had a great nights sleep thanks to great blockout curtains as it is still light outside till 9.30pm. This morning we started the day with a delicious buffet breakfast downstairs in the hotel. We then met our in the foyer with our other walking companions. We have Daniel and Margaret from Victoria, June from the Gold Coast,  David from South Australia and two ladies from America. 

We then met Bernadette who has lived in Chamonix for over 40 years. Bernadette took us on a tour of the town and filled her walking tour with lots of interesting facts, history and pictures of Chamonix. A proud local and very informative and entertaining. 

Brief History of Chamonix

In 1741 two Englishmen, Windham and Pococke, discovered the 'Chamouny' valley and its glaciers. Their expedition was met by a rural population of mountain farmers, and a humble monastery. This community lived off animal husbandry and a sparse harvest of oats and rye.

Windham and Pococke explored the valley and visited the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). The stories of their exploits, published in literary journals throughout Europe, started a craze to find out more about Chamonix. 

Madame Coutterand opened the first guest house in 1770.

By 1783, celebrities such as Saussure, Goethe and Bourrit, had visited the valley and raised its profile. Around 1,500 visitors ventured to Chamonix each summer.

Two local men Paccard and Balmat, made the first ever ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786.

The first luxury hotel was built in 1816 (The Hotel de l'Union), followed by 'la Couronne', 'le Royal' and many more.

Hotel Majestic as it was advertised, as the perfect summer destination.

As it is today.

  Winter holiday perhaps.

In 1821, 'La Compagnie des Guides' was created following an accident on the Mont Blanc. Until the end of the 19th century, mountain guides were the main economic power in Chamonix.

However, from the beginning of the 20th century with the construction of numerous hotels, the hotel industry become the predominant economic power in the valley.

In 1860 a carriage road was built joining Geneva to Chamonix via Sallanches.

In July 1901, the railway line that passes through the Chamonix valley was inaugurated. This opened the town to winter visitors.

Between 1908 and 1910 Chamonix took on its present rhythm of winter and summer tourist seasons

Did you know ……

In 1924 Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games. Skiing was introduced in Chamonix at the end of the 19th century by Dr Payot. The first big winter season was in 1906-07. Much of the initiative came from the 'Club Alpine Français' which organized a local winter sports competition.

Next year is the 100th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games. 

More town exploring after our walking tour with Bernadette. You can’t help but be amazed at the mountain views. The weather forecast for the start of our 170km walk  is overcast with possible rain. Tonight we have a group briefing, dinner then time to organise our bags, get a good nights sleep then ready for tomorrow.

Not sure how we will maintain the blog in the days ahead, but every attempt will be made. The purpose of this blog is to create a journal for us, also to give our friends a ‘view’ of our holiday and eventually to be converted to a hard covered book.