A winter wonderland lies in the very heart of the French Alps. The Chamonix-Mont Blanc region boasts extraordinary activity options for visitors of all ages, from winter sports to cozying up at a thermal spa. Here are five little-known facts about Chamonix-Mont Blanc!
1 - Mountain Capital of the World
Chamonix-Mont Blanc is considered the mountain capital of the world. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, sits at over 4,500 meters on the border of France and Italy. Its height varies yearly as its snow cap’s depth varies.
2 - Winter Olympic Hosts
Chamonix hosted the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924. At the time, the games were known as “International Winter Sports Week.” Over 250 athletes from 16 teams competed in ice hockey, curling, ski jumping, bobsleigh, and more. Chamonix is one of the highest locations in Western Europe and where skiing first started in France, so it was the ideal host for these first Games.
3 - Marvelous Mer de Glace
France’s longest and largest glacier is called the Mer de Glace (“sea of ice”) and is located through the Chamonix Valley. The natural attraction runs roughly 7 kilometers. Visitors can access the site via the Montenvers train. (Traveler Tip: try to sit on the left side of the train on the ride up to get the most breathtaking views of the Chamonix Valley!)
4 - Bond on Mont Blanc
James Bond fans will enjoy this one! All the ski scenes from the Bond movie The World Is Not Enough were filmed in Chamonix-Mont Blanc. The off-trail ski chases offer a great glimpse of the mountaintops and surrounding landscapes!
5 - Connecting Countries
The Mont-Blanc Tunnel is one of the longest roadway tunnels in the world. The route links France from Chamonix to Courmayeur in Italy. The tunnel is more than 11 kilometers (7 miles) long and costs more than 50 Euros per vehicle with an option of an additional return fare. Many locals and frequent travelers insist the tunnel is cheaper than surrounding tolls that skirt the mountain and offer better vistas upon exit.
