Chamonix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chamonix
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Town Hall
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 Chamonix
Location in France
Chamonix
Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | |
| Department | Haute-Savoie | |
| Arrondissement | Thonon-les-Bains | |
| Canton | Thonon-les-Bains | |
| Area
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116.53 km2 (44.99 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2012)
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8,882 | |
| • Density | 76.221/km2 (197.411/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
74400 /74056
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| Elevation | 985–4,810 m (3,232–15,781 ft) (avg. 1,035 m or 3,396 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
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Chamonix is a famous town in the French Alps. It is located right at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Chamonix is part of the Haute-Savoie area in France. It is known worldwide for its amazing mountains, skiing, and mountaineering.
Contents
Discover Chamonix: A Mountain Paradise
Chamonix is officially called Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It is a special type of town in France known as a commune. This means it is a local area with its own government. The town sits in a beautiful valley. High mountains surround it on all sides.
Home of the First Winter Olympics
Chamonix has a very important place in sports history. It hosted the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Athletes from all over the world came to compete in winter sports. This event helped make Chamonix famous as a top winter sports destination.
Geography and Nature in Chamonix
The town of Chamonix is in the Arve Valley. This valley is deep and narrow. It is surrounded by the huge Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain range. These mountains are part of the Alps. The highest point in the area is the summit of Mont Blanc. It reaches an amazing 4,810 meters (15,781 feet) high.
Glaciers and Rivers
Several large glaciers flow down from the mountains near Chamonix. The most famous one is the Mer de Glace. It is one of the biggest glaciers in France. The Arve River also starts in the Chamonix valley. It flows through the town.
Things to Do in Chamonix
Chamonix is a dream spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Winter Sports
In winter, Chamonix is a major hub for skiing and snowboarding. There are many different ski areas for all skill levels. People also enjoy ice climbing and snowshoeing.
Summer Adventures
When the snow melts, Chamonix becomes a hiking and climbing paradise. There are countless trails to explore. You can also go mountain biking or paragliding. The Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you high up the mountains. From there, you get incredible views of Mont Blanc.
History of Chamonix
Chamonix was first known for its monastery. Later, in the 18th century, explorers started to visit. They were fascinated by the glaciers and high peaks.
Early Mountaineering
In 1786, two local men, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, made history. They were the first to successfully climb Mont Blanc. This event marked the beginning of modern mountaineering. It also made Chamonix a famous base for mountain adventures.
Growth as a Tourist Spot
Over time, Chamonix grew into a popular tourist town. Hotels and guesthouses were built. The railway arrived in the early 20th century. This made it easier for visitors to reach the valley. Today, Chamonix welcomes millions of visitors every year. They come to enjoy its natural beauty and exciting activities.
Images for kids
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Horace-Benedict de Saussure, with Jacques Balmat (left) who points towards the summit of Mont Blanc, Monument at Chamonix.
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Chamonix Valley: crossing the glacier on foot (between 1902 and 1904)
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Front and façade of the Chamonix - Mont-Blanc railway station.
See also
In Spanish: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc para niños
