or CHAMONIX, a celebrated valley of Savoy, province of Faucigny, bounded on the S. and E. by Mont Blanc and others of the Pennine Alps, and on the W. and N. by Mont Breven and the Aiguilles Rouges. It is 12 miles in length from N.E. to S.W., with an average breadth of 2 miles, and forms the upper part of the basin of the Arve, which traverses its entire length. This valley is the most celebrated in the Alps for the picturesque grandeur of its mountains and its glaciers, among which is the Mer de Glace, the most remarkable of the Alpine glaciers. The inhabitants of the valley, which is much frequented by travellers, amount to about 3000; the soil is not fertile, but is well cultivated. The climate in winter is severe. The principal village is La Chamounix or La Prieuré, on the right bank of the Arve, and 3420 feet above the level of the sea.