Statue of Balmat and Saussure
Bronze monument in Chamonix honoring the first ascent of Mont Blanc, featuring Balmat and his financier, Saussure.
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Statue of Balmat and Saussure
Best Time
Best chance for Mont Blanc views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bronze monument in Chamonix honoring the first ascent of Mont Blanc, featuring Balmat and his financier, Saussure.
"A great statue in famous Chamonix... In the heart of this mountain city... Always look at Mont Blanc..."
📸 Capture Both Statues
See both Balmat/Saussure and Paccard statues for the full story. Great photo ops!
☁️ Check Mont Blanc Weather
Visibility of Mont Blanc is key. Cloudy days hide the summit, reducing the statue's impact.
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Balmat and Saussure Statue
Chamonix Town Square
A bronze monument commemorating the first ascent of Mont Blanc, featuring Balmat and his financier, Saussure.
Paccard's Statue
Near the main square
A second statue honoring Dr. Michel Gabriel Paccard, Balmat's climbing partner, erected later to correct historical omission.
Mont Blanc Viewpoint
From the statue area
On clear days, this spot offers a direct view towards Mont Blanc, enhancing the statue's narrative of achievement.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture Both Statues
See both Balmat/Saussure and Paccard statues for the full story. Great photo ops!
☁️ Check Mont Blanc Weather
Visibility of Mont Blanc is key. Cloudy days hide the summit, reducing the statue's impact.
📖 Learn the History
Understand the Balmat, Paccard, and Saussure story for deeper appreciation.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture Both Statues
See both Balmat/Saussure and Paccard statues for the full story. Great photo ops!
☁️ Check Mont Blanc Weather
Visibility of Mont Blanc is key. Cloudy days hide the summit, reducing the statue's impact.
📖 Learn the History
Understand the Balmat, Paccard, and Saussure story for deeper appreciation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance of the Statue of Balmat and Saussure, recognizing its role in commemorating the first ascent of Mont Blanc. The setting in Chamonix's town square is noted as a convenient and picturesque location. However, some find the initial omission of Dr. Paccard from the main statue to be a historical oversight, though his later monument is acknowledged.
"A bronze group represents the Genevan naturalist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure and Jacques Balmat. Saussure was a Genevan Aristocrat, Geologist, Physicist and Alpine traveller. In 1760 Horace Bénédict de Saussure, offered a financial reward to anyone who could complete the first ascent of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian). Several unsuccessful attempts were made over the next few years to climb Mont Blanc and it wasn’t until 8 August 1786 that the reward was claimed by two local Chamonix men who climbed the mountain from the Chamonix valley. They were Jacques Balmat, a Chamois hunter and crystal collector, and Dr Michel Gabriel Paccard, a Chamonix doctor.A bronze stature was erected in the town’s main square in 1887 to commemorate the centenary of the first ascent. Seen from behind, it is dramatic: two men, one of them pointing to Mont Blanc with an outstretched arm. From the front you will be surprised to find that the statue is not of Balmat and Paccard the two pioneering Mountaineers, but of Balmat and his ‘financier’ Saussure. For many years thereafter articles and books including Balmat’s own autobiography continued to promote Balmat over his companion. It was not until the bicentenary in 1986 that a second bronze statue was erected to commemorate Dr Paccard. Paccard’s statue is sited behind and about 150yds from the original statue on the edge of the square."
antonios varzakis
"We stopped for lunch in Chamonix. We also wanted to catch a glimpse of the famous Mt Blanck, which can be seen down into the valley in good weather from certain points. There is one near this statue where Mt Blanck is pointed out by Jacques Balmat, who first climbed it with Dr Michel Gabriel Paccard. Unfortunately the weather had turned cloudy, so we couldn't see Mt Blanck. Next time we will see it better when we climb it."
Heikki Kegg
"Great statue in famous Chamonix... In the heart of this mountain city... Always look at Mont Blanc... It tells story about man who was first on this summit Balmat and man who was financial support Saussure... With Balmat on Mont Blanc there also was Paccard... But Balmat and other put himself with marketing to be the first... And every magazine write about that... Then 1986 people do right thing and make statue for Paccard but it's 150m far from this statue... All recommendations to see this both statues and make picture👌"
VLAJKO PETROVIĆ
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The statue is centrally located in Chamonix's main town square, easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by car, look for public parking in the town center.
Yes, Chamonix has a bus station and a train station, both within walking distance of the town square and the statue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the statue is a public monument in the town square and is free to view at any time.
The town square is always accessible, so you can visit the statue day or night.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds. If Mont Blanc is visible, aim for clear conditions.
Yes, on a clear day, the statue area offers a view towards Mont Blanc, which Balmat is depicted pointing towards.
Absolutely! Don't miss the statue of Dr. Michel Gabriel Paccard, located about 150 yards away, to complete the historical narrative.
🎫 📖 History & Significance
The statue represents Jacques Balmat, a chamois hunter and crystal collector, and Horace-Bénédicte de Saussure, a Genevan aristocrat and naturalist who funded the first ascent of Mont Blanc.
It commemorates the centenary of the first successful ascent of Mont Blanc on August 8, 1786, by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Gabriel Paccard.
Initially, the statue honored Balmat and his financier Saussure. Dr. Paccard's contribution was later recognized with a separate statue in 1986.
Saussure offered a financial reward for the first ascent, making him a key 'financier' and supporter of the expedition.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make it a treasure hunt to find both the main statue and Dr. Paccard's statue nearby. Discussing the idea of a reward for climbing Mont Blanc might also resonate with younger audiences. The central location in Chamonix means it's easy to combine with a picnic or a visit to a local cafe, making it a relaxed part of a family day out.
🚶 History Buffs & Alpinism Enthusiasts
Crucially, seek out Dr. Paccard's statue as well to gain a more complete and nuanced understanding of the 1786 ascent. Consider visiting local museums or historical sites in Chamonix to further enrich your knowledge of the pioneers who shaped the sport of mountaineering. The view of Mont Blanc from the square, if clear, adds a powerful visual dimension to the historical narrative.
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The Story Behind the Bronze
However, the story of Mont Blanc's first ascent is incomplete without Dr. Michel Gabriel Paccard, the Chamonix doctor who accompanied Balmat on that historic August day in 1786. For years, Paccard's crucial contribution was overshadowed by Balmat's own accounts and subsequent publications. It wasn't until the bicentenary celebrations in 1986 that a second bronze statue was erected to honor Dr. Paccard, acknowledging his equal part in this pioneering mountaineering feat. This second statue is situated a short distance from the original, offering a more complete historical picture for visitors.
Visiting both statues provides a richer understanding of the complex history of alpinism and the individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration. The original statue, with Balmat pointing towards the distant Mont Blanc, serves as a dramatic visual cue, especially on clear days when the majestic peak is visible from the square. It’s a powerful reminder of human ambition and the allure of the mountains that continues to draw adventurers to Chamonix.
Chamonix: A Hub for Alpine History
Beyond the statues, Chamonix offers numerous opportunities to delve deeper into alpine history. Museums dedicated to mountaineering and the region's natural heritage provide context and detail about the lives of pioneers like Balmat, Paccard, and Saussure. The very landscape around Chamonix, with Mont Blanc dominating the skyline, is a constant testament to the challenges and triumphs of early alpinism. On clear days, standing near the statue and gazing up at the summit Balmat and Paccard conquered is an inspiring experience, connecting visitors directly to the historical narrative.
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