Joseph Vallot

Joseph Vallot (French pronunciation: [ʒozɛf valo]; 16 February 1854 – 11 April 1925) was a French scientist, astronomer, botanist, geographer, cartographer and alpinist and "one of the founding fathers of scientific research on Mont Blanc". He is known mainly for his fascination with Mont Blanc and his work in funding and constructing a high-altitude observatory below its summit, and for the many years of study and research work that he and his wife conducted both there, and at their base in Chamonix. The observatory and adjacent refuge that he constructed for use by mountain guides and their clients attempting the Mont Blanc summit both still bear his name today, despite being rebuilt in modern times. He received many awards for his scientific achievements, including France's Legion of Honour.