Marie Paradis
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published May 7, 2026 · Updated August 3, 2026
Marie Paradis is the first woman to have reached the summit of Mont Blanc, in 1808.
A servant led by friendly guides
On 14 July 1808, Marie Paradis, a simple inn servant from the Chamonix valley, became the first woman to reach the summit of Mont Blanc, in the company of guide Jacques Balmat. She was brought along by guide friends who hoped that having her take part would make her famous — and bring her fortune.
'Pulled, dragged and carried' to the summit
The ascent was extremely gruelling. Exhausted in the final metres, Marie Paradis had to be assisted by her guides; she would later recount having been 'pulled, dragged and carried' to the summit. At the top, at the end of her strength, she struggled to breathe, could no longer speak or see, and begged her companions to throw her into the first crevasse they found to end her suffering.
An account published as early as 1809, a successful reinvention
As early as 1809, she recorded her experience in an account described as remarkably vivid and evocative. Her feat then let her open an inn in Chamonix and become known as 'Marie du Mont-Blanc' — a reinvention that fulfilled her guides' promise.
1838: the meeting with Henriette d'Angeville
Thirty years after her ascent, in 1838, Marie Paradis met Henriette d'Angeville at the reception held after the latter's feat. She confided to her that she considered her the first true conqueror of Mont Blanc — herself acknowledging that her own ascent, completed in great difficulty and with the guides' physical assistance, wasn't the same sporting achievement.
Source: Wikipedia — Marie Paradis
FAQ
Who was Marie Paradis?
From the Chamonix valley, she is the first woman to have reached the summit of Mont Blanc, in 1808.
Why does her ascent matter?
It symbolically marks a new stage in alpine history and remains linked to the place of women in the conquest of the high mountains.
Did Marie Paradis complete the first fully sporting female ascent?
No — that distinction belongs to Henriette d'Angeville in 1838; Marie Paradis's 1808 ascent remains the very first by a woman.
What became of Marie Paradis after her 1808 ascent?
She opened an inn in Chamonix and became known as 'Marie du Mont-Blanc'.
Did Marie Paradis meet Henriette d'Angeville?
Yes, during the latter's 1838 ascent; Marie Paradis herself acknowledged that d'Angeville, who climbed without physical help, deserved the title of first conqueror in her own right.
When was Marie Paradis born and when did she die?
She was born around 1778 and died in 1839.
Did Marie Paradis's ascent go well?
No: exhausted in the final metres, she had to be 'pulled, dragged and carried' by her guides, and begged at the summit to be thrown into a crevasse to end her suffering.