The Chamonix valley is still the Mecca for alpinism in the Western Alps with a wide variety of climbing styles. In recent years the famous aiguilles have been developed (Michael Piola has been far and away the main protagonist) with many lines achieving 'modern classic status'. One of Piola's better known rock routes is: 'Le Ticket, le Carre, le Ronde et la Lune VII+' on the NW face of the Aiguille du Peigne. By utilising the valleys lift systems long routes like this can be done comfortably in a day when the highest peaks might be out of condition.
Alex Lowe, when asked: 'who was the best climber?' famously answered: 'the one having the most fun'. Rob and I definitely laughed our way up (and sometimes down) this great route.