TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - DAY 7

 JUNE 10

In my opinion, Courmayeur is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the world. It is located at the end of Aosta Valley. People have been living in this place for more than 2000 years. The town experienced a rapid growth from VII to XII century. In 1337 an iron mine was established in Val Ferret, hence the name. The XVII century brought the beginning of the development of Courmayeur as a health spa. Mountaineering, skiing and other sport and tourist activities are the mainstay of the present economy. Opening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel in 1965 opened the access to the town.

Courmayeur's architecture is quite unique and the same style dominates in most of the buildings. Almost all of the roofs are covered with slate tiles. The street are narrow and winding. Dent du Geant dominates the skyline and is visible from every place in the town.

Picturesque stairs interconnect streets located on different levels.

Local Association of Guides provides guiding services to the tourists and mountaineers.

In the summer, the town is a favorite place for car rallies.

 Stunning architecture and location create a special place.

After walking through the town we take a local bus and an aerial tram to Helbronner Point (3,452m).

Panoramic Mont-Blanc, a three car gondola, connects the Point with Aiguille du Midi located on the opposite site of Vale Blanche.

                                 Snowy summit of Mont Blanc extends a long ridge down to Mont Maudit (4,465m) and Mont Tacul (4,248m)

Dent du Geant shows its north face from behind the clouds.

Vallee Blanche stretches towards La Mer de Glace.

                                                 It was a long and busy day. It's time to go back to our hotel. Tomorrow is another long day.