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Courmayeur

Courmayeur
Comune
Comune di Courmayeur
Commune de Courmayeur
Courmayeur from the Torino Hut in August 2009
Courmayeur from the Torino Hut in August 2009
Coat of arms of Courmayeur
Coat of arms
Courmayeur is located in Italy
Courmayeur
Courmayeur
Location of Courmayeur in Italy
Coordinates: 45°47′N 06°58′E / 45.783°N 6.967°E / 45.783; 6.967Coordinates: 45°47′N 06°58′E / 45.783°N 6.967°E / 45.783; 6.967
Country Italy
Region Aosta Valley
Province / Metropolitan city none
Frazioni Dolonne, Entrèves, La Palud, Villair Dessous, Villair Dessus, Larzey, Entrelevie, La Villette, La Saxe
Government
 • Mayor Fabrizia Derriard (Independent)
Area
 • Total 210 km2 (80 sq mi)
Highest elevation 4,810 m (15,780 ft)
Lowest elevation 1,224 m (4,016 ft)
Population (2010)
 • Total 2,870
 • Density 14/km2 (35/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Courmayeurins
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 11013
Dialing code 0165
Patron saint St. Pantaleo
Saint day July 27
Website comune.courmayeur.ao.it

Courmayeur is a town and comune in northern Italy, in the autonomous region of Aosta Valley. At an elevation of 1,224 m (4,016 ft) above sea level, it is located at the foot of the southern side of Mont Blanc, at 4,810 m (15,781 ft) the highest point in the Alps and western Europe (see Seven Summits), and is crossed by the Dora Baltea river. Courmayeur shares administration of Mont Blanc with its neighboring commune of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France, and is consequently able to claim the title of highest commune in Italy. Courmayeur also shares access to the glacial ski run of the Vallée Blanche with another French town, Chamonix, which sits at the opposite, northern, side of the Mont Blanc massif.

The ancient Curia Maior was always a popular tourist destination, thanks to its spa and the Mont-Blanc landscapes. During World War II, under the fascist regime and its "italianist" rule, the town was briefly renamed "Cormaiore".

Courmayeur’s picturesque mountain scenery make it an attractive year-round destination. It is cited as "Italy's best all-round ski resort", and contains the Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea, which describes itself as Europe's highest botanical garden. The Church of Saint-Pantaléon dates to the 18th century.

In the summer months Courmayeur is a popular destination for hikers. The nearby village of La Palud is the base station of the Skyway Monte Bianco, the cable car to the Pointe Helbronner. This links to the Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway going to the Aiguille du Midi, which connects to the Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi, the cable car from Chamonix.


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Wikipedia

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