Was Joseph Ravanel thinking of a street being named after him? Probably not. This is the Rue Joseph Ravanel. It commemorates a remarkable man. Let’s discover his story.
Joseph Ravanel nicknamed “le Rouge” was a legendary mountain guide. His red hair earned him the moniker. Born near Argentière in 1869 he grew up helping his family. He cared for livestock and gathered hay. His father Michel Ravanel was also a guide. Joseph often accompanied him as a porter.
At 27 Joseph became a guide in Chamonix. His three younger brothers Jean Camille and Alfred followed in his footsteps. Later his son Arthur also became a guide.
Joseph “le Rouge” Ravanel achieved many first ascents. These include the Aiguille du Fou. Others are the Dent du Crocodile and the Aiguille du Jardin. Also the Aiguille des Pèlerins. And the Aiguille du Peigne. Finally, the crossing from the Petit to the Grand Dru. He often climbed with his brother Jean and client Émile Fontaine.
In 1903 skiing was relatively new in the valley. Joseph was the first to ski across Chamonix to Zermatt. He was joined by Couttet Payot and Simond. These men were also famous guides. This route became a classic in the Massif.
Ravanel guided many famous people. Roger Frison-Roche a future novelist and guide climbed with him. Frison-Roche honored him in “Premier de Cordée”. He described a mythical guide “Ravanat le Rouge”. Other clients included painter Edgard Bouillette. Also the photographer Gaston Liégeard. And King Albert I of Belgium. This earned Joseph another nickname “King of Guides and Guide of Kings”.
From 1926 Joseph and his wife managed the Couvercle mountain hut. He continued to guide from time to time. Construction began on a new building next to the old one. Sadly Joseph did not see the project’s completion. He died in autumn 1931 from a lung infection at age 62.
The Rue Joseph Ravanel is a fitting tribute. It honors a man who conquered mountains and inspired many. His legacy lives on in the peaks he scaled. Also it lives on in the stories told about him. Take a moment to remember Joseph Ravanel. A true legend of the mountains.