A Literary Escape at the Top of the World
At an altitude of 3,466 metres, the summit of Pointe Helbronner offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intellectual exploration. Here, nestled among the towering peaks and icy glaciers of Mont Blanc, lies La Feltrinelli 3466—a bookshop that redefines what it means to be surrounded by literature. This is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a sanctuary where the thrill of climbing meets the joy of reading.
The journey to this literary haven begins in the small hamlet of Entrèves, located above Courmayeur in Italy. From here, the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car ascends like a silver thread connecting the valley below with the mountain’s lofty heights. As the cabins rotate slowly, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views: dense forests, jagged ridges, and vast glaciers stretch out beneath them. The air grows thinner, and with it, the silence becomes more profound.
At the top, a surprising sight awaits—a tiny but remarkable bookshop perched on the edge of the world. Facing the mighty Alpine giants, this shop offers a quiet escape where visitors can flip through a novel as easily as they would unfold a map. The experience is surreal, as if one has reached the roof of the world while being enveloped in the comfort of stories.
A Curated Collection for High-Altitude Readers
Despite its modest size—just 60 square metres—the La Feltrinelli 3466 bookshop boasts an impressive collection of 376 titles and 1,726 works. Every volume is carefully selected to cater to the interests of those who venture to the summit. Shelves are filled with accounts of daring climbs, stunning photographic books of the Alps, guides to the Aosta Valley, and novels inspired by the region’s rugged beauty. There’s also a dedicated children’s section, ensuring that even younger travelers find something to enjoy.
Each book serves as a portal to new experiences. A guide might suggest an adventurous route, a novel could evoke images of dizzying cliffs, and a recipe book might conjure up the warmth of a fireside dinner. As readers turn the pages, the world outside fades away, replaced by the gentle dance of light from the glaciers behind the windows.
The View from the Summit
Beyond the bookshop, the landscape offers more than just a backdrop. The Helbronner peak features a circular terrace that appears to float above a sea of icy rock. From this vantage point, the silhouette of the Matterhorn comes into view, while the Monte Rosa massif stretches toward the horizon. The Grand Combin and Gran Paradiso stand as distant sentinels, their snow-capped peaks glowing under the alpine sun.
Inside the panoramic room known as ‘The Sky,’ light plays across the granite, highlighting the intricate details of the snow-covered ridges. This space is not just a viewing platform—it’s a place where nature and artistry converge.
How to Reach the Bookshop
Reaching La Feltrinelli 3466 requires a two-stage ascent. Visitors begin their journey in Entrèves, then stop at the Pavillon at 2,173 metres, where an alpine botanical garden blooms during the summer months. From there, the final climb to the summit takes place.
The rotating cable car cabins ensure that every passenger enjoys a 360-degree view without any blind spots. However, the high altitude brings its own challenges. Travelers should be prepared with sunglasses, sunscreen, and warm clothing. It’s also important to pace oneself, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, so checking the forecast before starting the journey is essential. Once at the summit, visitors can explore other attractions, such as the crystal room, the SkyVertigo footbridge, and a cafe with a panoramic counter. Before descending, a quick stop at the bookshop allows travelers to choose a book to take home. As they board the cable car, the mountains slowly disappear, but the story continues to unfold.
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