Chamounix, now modernly known as Chamonix, was the birthplace of “Alpinism” which is the art of climbing high and rough terrain in mountain summits, during all seasons. This began with the first ascent of the neighboring Mont Blanc in 1786, which launched this Golden Age of mountaineering. Chamonix was a place where individuals sought challenge and inspiration for painting, writing and adventure.
Mary and Percey Shelly, and Mary’s cousin Claire Clairmont took some time to travel across France, Switzerland, Germany and more European counties, where she wrote her first published work, “The History of Six Weeks Tour” which holds journal entries and stories of the expeditions they took on vacation.
Romanticism had heavy themes of nature, so it makes sense why the Chamounix Valley makes an appearance in Frankenstein. The Frankenstein family traveled to the Chamounix area for vacation, and to lift their spirits after a troubling time after William’s murder, and Justine’s trials. This is also where Victor sees the Creature for the first time since his creation, where the Creature makes plea for creation of a companion.
“History of Chamonix.” SeeChamonix.com, SeeTheWorld, Updated 3 February 2022, www.seechamonix.com/history. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025.
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. History of a Six Weeks’ Tour through a Part of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland: With Letters Descriptive of a Sail Round the Lake of Geneva, and of the Glaciers of Chamouni. T. Hookham, Jr.; C. & J. Ollier, 1817. Wikisource, en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Prose_Works_of_Percy_Bysshe_Shelley/History_of_a_Six_Weeks%27_Tour_Through_a_Part_of_France%2C_Switzerland%2C_Germany%2C_and_Holland%3A_with_Letters_Descriptive_of_a_Sail_round_the_Lake_of_Geneva%2C_and_of_the_Glaciers_of_Chamouni. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025.
“Chamonix, France, Mont Blanc – Free Photo.” Pixabay, photographer klausdie407, 24 Aug. 2015, pixabay.com/photos/chamonix-france-mont-blanc-europe-897586/. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025.