Le Hameau Albert 1er

Chamonix

Chamonix has undergone a great many changes since the successful ascension of Mont-Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard in 1786. Its worldwide reputation as a veritable temple for winter sports began with the first modern Olympic Games in 1924. This was followed by the construction of its legendary ski lifts like the Aiguille du Midi cable car lift, the Planpraz and the Brévent. British tourists and the world’s elite have marked the city’s history. Just off some of the city’s streets, there are a number of old Protestant chapels, Belle Epoque palaces, Art Déco façades, traditional farms, chalets as well as modern constructions. Above the city, the Mont-Blanc mountain chain stretches over 17 kilometers with about 125 square kilometers of glacier which contribute to the magnificent landscape. In Chamonix, the skiable areas are very varied. Panorama skiing is the specialty of La Flégère, steep slopes are the domain of the Grands Montets and nature skiing among the trees can be found in the Balme area. And for the most well seasoned skiers, the Vallée Blanche - White valley - is an absolute must.

A family adventure at the foot of Mont-Blanc

The Hameau Albert 1er is an integral part of Chamonix’s history. In the early 20^th century, it was a simple family boarding house open in the summer only, before opening all year round thanks to the Olympic Games and the growing popularity of winter sports. Upon the death of King Albert I of Belgium, a regular visitor to Chamonix, the hotel paid tribute to him by naming it after him. From the 1960s onward, thanks to a total modernization, the hotel became the ski station’s uncontested reference and obtained one and then two stars in the prestigious Michelin Guide, a Clé d’Or, a grade of 17 out of 20 and three Chef’s hats in the Gault and Milllau guide. In spite of all these honors, the hotel has conserved its pure alpine spirit. Today, the fifth generation of owners maintains the family tradition while continuing to add its own personal touch.

In the area of décor, the reception areas are modern and welcoming. The tones and the materials used are warm, and the numerous details such as photographs and engravings recall the nearby Alps. Guests have a wide choice of housing facilities. The main building has 21 warm and comfortable rooms with wood paneling, fireplaces and refined furniture combined with modern technology including DVD, air conditioning and spa type bathtubs. In the Hameau - hamlet - known as La Ferme or The Farm, the twelve rooms are a blend of Savoy tradition and contemporary furniture. This large and elegant building was built from fifteen mountain pasture chalets which were restored and thus saved.

And for guests who want to stay with their family or their friends, two chalets are available: the Soli and the Grépon. Both are totally independent and provide all the modern comfort and space needed to spend an unforgettable moment at the foot of the glaciers. To relax after a day of skiing or a visit to the “Ocean of Ice”, visitors can choose between the outdoor or indoor swimming pool or the hammam. And at the Spa Le Bachal, a team of specialists offer a wide range of relaxing treatments.

For dining, there are two choices: the Albert 1er restaurant where Chef Pierre Maillet proposes an exceptional cuisine inspired by the region and which has earned him two well-deserved stars. The other restaurant, the Maison Carrier, specialized in Savoyard cuisine served in a mountain pasture farm décor in winter, or on the terrace facing the Mont-Blanc in summer. Finally, for a cocktail or a cup of tea or hot chocolate, the Quartz Bar is the place to go. Inspired by the crystals found on the highest peaks, it’s the ideal spot to try a rare wine or an alpine plant based liqueur.

On July 16^th, 1965 General de Gaulle and the Italian president Giuseppe Saragat inaugurated the 11.6-kilometer long Mont-Blanc tunnel linking France and Italy.