Vallot

In addition to these activities of observation of the natural environment, the IGE has been entrusted by the CNRS with the management of a historical heritage of exceptional scientific interest : the Vallot Observatory. This building, built at 4362 m under the summit of Mont Blanc by Joseph Vallot at the end of the 19th century is a place of privileged observation at the top of the West of Europe.

The Vallot Observatory was built by Joseph Vallot at the end of the 19th century to make glaciological, meteorological and astronomical observations at high altitude. At his death, he bequeaths in addition to the many works he has accomplished this unique real estate heritage dedicated to science. The Observatory built on the site of the "Storm Rocks" under the summit of Mont Blanc returns to the CNRS in the 1970s which transmits the management to the Glaciology Laboratory, now IGE. Since then, studies of Glaciology, Medicine, Atmospheric Chemistry and Meteorology have continued, and the Observatory recently renovated by the CNRS is now ready to host new scientific programs.