Chamonix is the capital of mountaineering , but not only. The Valley is also a place of culture and art. In fact, the cultural offering is extremely diverse. If you don't know what to do in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, take a look at all the must-sees.
What to do in Chamonix Mont-Blanc and the Valley? Museums to visit.
The Alpine Museum in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Founded in 1925, the Alpine Museum is housed in an emblematic Belle Epoque building. The museum is housed in the former Chamonix Palace luxury hotel, which opened in May 1914. The site preserves the rich historical and artistic heritage of the Mont Blanc region.
The museum features a permanent exhibition on the history of the Chamonix Valley. It focuses on the history of the Chamonix Valley. Travel through a collection that evokes the beginnings of mountaineering, the conquest of Mont-Blanc, the creation of winter and summer sports, the development of tourism, and more. Not forgetting an artistic selection dedicated to the Mer de Glace.
The Crystal Museum - Espace Tairraz in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
What to do in Chamonix Mont-Blanc? Visit one of France's finest mineralogical museums! The Musée des Cristaux is the fruit of a collaboration between the Club de Minéralogie de Chamonix, du Mont-Blanc et des Alpes du Nord and the town of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Its 700 m² exhibition space is dedicated to minerals from the Alps, France and the world.
You can :
- discover the centuries-old tradition of quartz harvesting in the Mont-Blanc massif, still alive and well today;
- admire exceptional collections, including pink and red fluorites from Mont Blanc;
- explore France's mining past and its major must-see sites;
- finally, observe precious stones, cut stones and noble metals (gold, silver, copper).
The mountain museum at Les Houches
This museum evokes rural mountain life. To this end, it reconstructs rooms from the traditional habitat and presents ethnographic objects used in the past in the Valley. There are also permanent and temporary exhibitions.
La maison de Barberine museum in Vallorcines
Also known as the Vallorcin Museum, the Maison de Barberine in Vallorcines showcases village life in days gone by. It's an interesting place: a traditional house from the early 18th century, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border.
What to do in Chamonix Mont-Blanc and the Valley? Art tours.
The Marcel Wibault Memory Space in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Located next to Chamonix town center, the Espace mémoire Marcel Wibault is the place to discover the work of the famous Chamonix painter. Visit the "Alpenrose" chalet, where the artist once lived and worked. He left behind a prolific body of work. He never stopped painting his favorite subject, the mountains.
Beyond the warm interior painted, sculpted and engraved by the master of the house, discover the original paintings on display and collected. In addition, there arethemed exhibitions renewed every year.
Mario Colonel photo gallery
What to do in and around Chamonix Mont-Blanc If you love photography, visit the Mario Colonel gallery. It's dedicated to the photographer's work. Here you can buy books, posters and original framed prints.
Artisans and designers
Last but not least, many craftsmen are happy to share their art. The Chamonix Valley boasts a breeding ground of creators committed to traditional craftsmanship. Among them are bakers, knife makers, cabinet makers, etc.
It is also possible to train in artistic activities (e.g. pottery courses).
Must-see cultural visits to discover nature
The Aiguilles Rouges reserve chalet
This cultural site invites the general public to discover the fascinating world of mountain flora and fauna. The theme has many facets: botanical trail, microscope observation, projections, lectures, exhibitions, etc.
The lieutenant's house in Servoz
This historic building houses an interpretation center on mountain agriculture, its environment, products and know-how. The permanent exhibition "L'agriculture de montagne, cœur du territoire" ("Mountain agriculture, the heart of the region") links the alpine culture of yesteryear with today's profession and the challenges facing agriculture in the future.
What's more, the scenographic tour has been designed for all audiences. It includes models, edutainment modules, multimedia content and collections of antique objects.
Last but not least, it's also a place for living and sharing, with a program of activities and workshops...
Educational areas
Note that some mid- and high-mountain sites also offer educational areas on fauna and flora or the evolution of glaciers.
