Windham and Pococke explored the valley and visited the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). The stories of their exploits, published in literary journals throughout Europe, started a craze to find out more about Chamonix.
Madame Coutterand opened the first guest house in 1770.
By 1783, celebrities such as Saussure, Goethe and Bourrit, had visited the valley and raised its profile. Around 1500 visitors ventured to Chamonix each summer.
The first luxury hotel was built in 1816 (The Hotel de l'Union), followed by 'la Couronne', 'le Royal' and many more. In 1821, 'La Compagnie des Guides' was created following an accident on Mt-Blanc. In 1860 a carriage road was built joining Geneva to Chamonix via Sallanches.
Until the end of the 19th century, the mountain guides were the main economic power in Chamonix. However, from the beginning of the 20th century with the construction of numerous hotels, the hoteliers become the predominant economic power in the valley.
Two local men Paccard and Balmat, made the first ever ascent of Mt-Blanc in 1786
In July 1901, the railway line that passes through the Chamonix valley was inaugurated. This opened the town to winter visitors. Between 1908 and 1910 Chamonix took on its present rhythm of winter and summer seasons.