In the eighteenth century, the Enlightenment led educated classes to observe the mountains with scientific curiosity. A central figure in this new interest was Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, a scientist from Geneva who devoted journeys and books to the study of Mont Blanc, analysing its geology, climate and nature. Eager to reach the summit to carry out experiments, he offered a reward to anyone who succeeded, a feat accomplished in 1786 by Balmat and Paccard.
Stage 01
In the footsteps of the pioneers
A story of geology, climate and nature
Stage 01“In the footsteps of the pioneers”Brenva Glacier Trek
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Early research
In the eighteenth century, the Enlightenment led educated classes to observe the mountains with scientific curiosity. A central figure in this new interest was Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, a scientist from Geneva who devoted journeys and books to the study of Mont Blanc, analysing its geology, climate and nature. Eager to reach the summit to carry out experiments, he offered a reward to anyone who succeeded, a feat accomplished in 1786 by Balmat and Paccard.
Scientists and mountains
His studies spread new knowledge about the characteristics of Mont Blanc and inspired new explorers. In 1868, Jules Michelet described glaciers as a “formidable thermometer”, able to reflect climatic and social changes.