Refuge Albert Ier

Here is a set of magnificent photographs of the popular Refuge Albert Ier, in the Mont Blanc massif, near Chamonix. On August 30, 1930, the beloved third King of the Belgians, a passionate alpinist, inaugurated the first hikers' refuge on the site, a modest wooden cabin named in his honor. On July 12, 1959, to meet growing demands, a much larger, stone structure was opened near the location of the original hut. Here is a short video in French on the history of the Refuge Albert Ier, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the new building, in 2009. Sadly, after the grand opening in 1930, the King never saw the Refuge Albert Ier again, since he died tragically, only four years later, while climbing the cliffs of the Meuse. Yet, it is comforting that such a splendid place still carries his name and something of his spirit.