Since 1996, CREA Mont-Blanc has been driven by the mission to bring science and research to life, connecting it to the world around us.

Based in Chamonix, in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif, we study how biodiversity and alpine environments are evolving in light of climate change and increasing human activity.

We share our findings with citizens and stakeholders alike and invite everyone to take part in our scientific research through our nine citizen science programmes.

Watch our short video

 

 

An open sky laboratory

Did you know? The temperature drop you experience when climbing 100 metres in altitude is equivalent to travelling 72 kilometres north. This means that, at the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, you can encounter climatic conditions similar to those found in Greenland!

From our headquarters overlooking the Mont Blanc, a single glance reveals a living climate gradient: from forests to alpine meadows and rocky peaks, each zone is shaped by temperature, aspect and terrain. This mosaic of habitats shelters an extraordinary diversity of alpine life.

 

 

Our three pillars

To build and share knowledge on mountain ecosystems

 

Citizen science

Scientific research

Knowledge sharing

 

Citizen science

We have been harnessing the power of collective intelligence to drive our research projects.

Through our online platform, SPOT, and its nine citizen science programmes, everyone can contribute to scientific research in the mountains — whether from their own garden or while out on a hike.

For those who don’t live in the mountains, the Wild Mont-Blanc programme offers another way to get involved from further afield, by helping researchers identify wildlife captured through camera traps.

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Scientific research

High-altitude ecosystems are on the front line of climate change. In the Alps, warming is occurring faster than across the rest of France. At the same time, these ecosystems are facing increasing pressure from growing and diversifying human activities, particularly recreations sports like hiking and trail running.

Out in the field, our researchers observe and monitor these changes to better understand how living systems respond to environmental shifts in order to anticipate future developments in a rapidly changing world.

Find out more about our projects

Knowledge sharing

One of the founding principles of CREA Mont-Blanc is to build a bridge between science and society. Science isn’t about white lab coats – it’s something that should be open and accessible to all.

Our scientific hub and garden were designed to be a place of connection and exchange with the local community. Whether you’re more into film nights, apéro meet-ups, trail runs, hikes, discovery walks or citizen science outings, we offer a variety of different ways to get involved, discover our work and meet the team behind the research.

You can also follow us on our social media channels, or check out our blog and online platform ATLAS Mont-Blanc to dive deeper into our research.

Check out our calendar

 

Learn more about alpine ecosystems

dynamics at play and how mountain environments are evolving

ATLAS

ATLAS

MONT-BLANC

to learn about alpine ecosystems and the challenges they face
SPOT

SPOT

MONT-BLANC

to take part in our citizen science programmes
BLOG

BLOG

MONT-BLANC

to stay up to date with our latest news and research

 

 

Our events !

Check out our upcoming events, at our HQ and in the field

 

A unique site

In 2025, we returned to the Observatoire du Mont-Blanc following a year of renovation. This iconic site encompasses the historical Chalet Vallot as well as a brand new ecobuild and scientific garden.

The visionary Joseph Vallot had this chalet built in the late 19th century, alongside the Refuge Vallot at 4350m just under the summit of Mont-Blanc, in order to carry out his pioneering scientific studies.

Building on his scientific legacy and restoring the site’s original role as a place for networking and knowledge sharing, the chalet is now welcoming visitors for conferences and events.