Chamounix

Chamounix, Chamonix, or Chamouni, a valley of France in the department of Upper Savoy, is celebrated for its picturesque scenery, and forms the upper basin of the Arve in the Pennine Alps, at an altitude of 3,425 feet above sea-level. Its length, running from N.E. to S.W., is about twelve miles, and breadth from one to six miles. On the N. side are Mont Brevent and the Aiguilles Rouges, and in the S. and E. Mont Blanc, whence glaciers descend into the valley; among them the Mer de Glace, the grandest glacier in the Alps. The name Chamounix is also borne by the village in the valley, which has now become so famous as a resort for tourists that upwards of 15,000 are yearly accommodated there, and in 1860 an English church was opened. It is mainly upon these visitors that the inhabitants rely. At the village are stationed the best guides for Alpine climbing, and from it the most customary ascent of Mont Blanc is made.