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A LEGENDARY VALLEY AT THE CROSSROADS OF 3 COUNTRIES

Chalet Whymper Chamonix
Hameau Faucigny Chamonix Mont-Blanc

The Chamonix valley is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range. On the borders of Switzerland and Italy, it comprises (running from east to west) the resorts of Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Argentière and Vallorcine.

MOUNTAIN LIFE ALL YEAR ROUND

IN TOWN OR UP A MOUNTAIN, YOU ARE AT THE HEART OF THE ACTION

Le Hameau Faucigny (Chalet Whymper, Aparthotel le Genépy, Hôtel le Faucigny) for mountain lovers.

Ideally located in the town centre, just a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants and only a few hundred metres from the main access points to the valley’s various ski areas, this confidential hamlet is the ideal base camp for an exceptional stay. 

Once upon a time in Chamonix…

’HISTOIRE DE CHAMONIX Depuis la découverte de “Chamouny” par William Windham et Richard Pocock en 1741, la Vallée de Chamonix est devenue un mythe pour les explorateurs du monde entier.  Ces deux aventuriers ont révélé l’intérêt des grands glaciers, au-delà de la crainte et la dangerosité qu’ils inspiraient. C’est grâce à eux que nombre de touristes viennent aujourd’hui admirer le mont Blanc, ses aiguilles, ou encore la Mer de Glace.
Copper Hill has belonged to the Williams since 1826

WHEN THE WORLD DISCOVERED
THE CHAMONIX VALLEY

Following the publication of Windham and Pocock’s adventures at the Mer de Glace, many of their compatriots travelled to the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley to admire the longest glacier in France. At the time, the ascent to the Mer de Glace was done on a donkey! 

In 1760, Horace Bénédict de Saussure offered a reward to anyone who reached Mont Blanc. Ten years later, he opened the first inn to welcome explorers curious about the summits. 

THE CONQUEST OF MONT-BLANC

The conquest of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard on 8 August 1786 established the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley in the imagination of the nascent mountaineering movement and contributed to its appeal.

CHAMONIX HISTORY

Since the discovery of “Chamouny” by William Windham and Richard Pocock in 1741, the Chamonix Valley has become a myth for explorers from around the world.

These two adventurers revealed the interest of the great glaciers, beyond the fear and danger that they inspired. It is thanks to them that many tourists come today to admire the Mont Blanc, its needles, or the Mer de Glace.

hammeau faucigny histoire chamonix
Tending guests has always been the business of our family

CHAMONIX TO THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASONS

Summer in the Chamonix Valley

Summer in the Chamonix Valley is revitalising and rejuvenating thanks to the multitude of sporting and cultural activities it offers in a dream setting.

Explore and redouble your efforts with a hike or a trail, several itineraries are available to you. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, find the hike that suits you. Are you a thrill seeker? Discover breathtaking activities: mountaineering, paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, rafting… and many others!
Stimulate your spirits with the various concerts, exhibitions and cultural events that take place in the valley.

Come and live your experience in the heart of an unforgettable landscape! Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office

Winter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley

Enjoy a refreshing winter in the Chamonix valley! Skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, find your happiness in the diversity of sports activities. 

Set off on an adventure and explore the multitude of possibilities the Chamonix Valley has to offer.

Discover the Grand-Montets area, particularly appreciated by freeride enthusiasts and those who love steep slopes for its snow conditions and north-facing orientation. The Brévent and Flégère areas, located at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges, offer an ideal and sunny setting for more playful and family-oriented skiing. For speed enthusiasts, test your skills on the slalom slopes of the Balme-Vallorcine area, or simply enjoy its gentle slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, as well as snowshoe and ski hikers. 

For a relaxing family vacation, explore Les Houches. Located just minutes from the center of Chamonix, this family-friendly resort is ideal for skiing initiation and hiking.

Top things to see

AIGUILLE DU MIDI CABLE CAR
The Aiguille du Midi is a must-see in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. From the centre of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to the gateway to the High Mountains at 3842m in 20 minutes.

Compulsory health pass.


This famous needle, which is one of the highest in Chamonix, has been an unmissable destination for visitors for more than 60 years. In just 20 minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the centre of Chamonix to the high mountains, reaching an altitude of 3,842 m.

Perched 3,777 m above sea level, the Aiguille du Midi and its viewing platforms offer a panoramic view across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. A lift will then take you on to the highest deck at 3,842 m, where you can take in the uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc.

Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office

QC TERME SPAS AND RESORTS
The QC Terme wellness spa has arrived in Chamonix in the wonderful setting of the Mont Blanc Valley

The QC Terme wellness spa has arrived in Chamonix in the wonderful setting of the Mont Blanc Valley, one of the most famous alpine destinations in the world and home to mountaineering, hiking and a wealth of sporting activities.

This well-being spa of 4000 metres is set amid a unique landscape unlike any other in the world, overlooking a small lake, and with the greatest respect for the environment. It offers the perfect combination of peace and harmony for the senses, focusing on the quality of life through the beneficial effects of different practices, with the aim of restoring physical and spiritual balance.


After a day’s skiing, or even at the start of the day, try out the pleasure of bathing
outdoors, wonderful throughout the year but especially in the snow, along with exceptional views across the peaks of Mont Blanc.

Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office

THE MONTENVERS-MER DE GLACE TRAIN
train du montenvers activité chamonix été

Hop on the famous rack-and-pinion railway, which takes passengers from Chamonix to the tourist site of Montenvers at an altitude of 1,913 m. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses.

Once at your destination, take a tour of the Ice Cave and get a glimpse into the very heart of the glacier. The cave is dug out anew every year and inside, it portrays mountain life in the early 19th century. Two ways to get there: follow the footpath for a 20-minute or so walk or take the cable car. Please note: there are around 580 steps from the cable car terminal to the cave entrance.

Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office

PANORAMIC MONT BLANC CABLE CAR
panoramic mont blanc hamlet Faucigny winter activities whymper genepy café chamonix mont blanc

At the top of Aiguille du Midi, you can embark on the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car for à 50-minute dream trip above the glaciers!

The journey across the glaciers is a sight to behold. In complete safety you will take in the blue and white surroundings of high mountain terrain admiring the crevasses and seracs below and contemplating the groups of roped climbers scaling the glacial mass. A return trip to Italy and back or a one way journey, either way the memory of this magical landscape will stay with you forever.

Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office

French lifestyle
art de vie à la francaise chamonix lifestyle hammeau faucigny restaurants

The French art of living in the mountains is what sets Chamonix apart. A French exception that can be found from the layout of the slopes to the gastronomic tables, via the architecture of this charming town. The valley offers 130 shops & restaurants/bars.

Whether you are looking for the best lunch at altitude with a view of Mont Blanc, a good table for a colourful dinner or a cosy place to have a drink over an aperitif, the valley’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisine to suit all budgets.

Find all the information on the Tourist Office website

Hameau Faucigny logo
Hameau Faucigny logo

CHALET HOTEL
WHYMPER

Charming cottage
The lovers' chalet has 10 rooms. With its SPA* and its living spaces, it will bring you moments of conviviality and relaxation.

HOTEL
LE FAUCIGNY

Charming hotel

The Scandinavian-inspired decoration and warm spaces create an atmosphere conducive to sharing. Enjoy a refined and convivial experience.

HOTEL
LE GENEPY

Apart'Hotel

You rent a luxury flat with a contemporary decor in the heart of the mythical Chamonix: we promise you to live the real Chamonix life.

CAFÉ
DU GENEPY

Local café

This cosy and friendly café offers a fresh, healthy and local breakfast buffet that changes throughout the day to satisfy a small hunger.

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