In around 1850 a French historical writer by the name of Emile Bégin (1802-1888), who was studying Napoleon, toured the Saint Bernard region. He came across a small lake surrounded by fir trees and pasture grazed by cows and chamois. In 1852 his book “Travels picturesque to Switzerland” was published which included a piece on Champex and from that day on this rural lake was put on the tourist map. As walkers and mountaineers discover Champex the cattle sheds (with living accommodation above) gradually became inns offering a bed for the night with a simple meal of rye bread, cheese and wine of the region.

In 1892 Daniel Crettex, son of the acclaimed mountaineer and sherpa of the period Maurice Crettex, builds the first true hotel of Champex “Hotel de la Poste” , here guests could refresh themselves in milk baths.

In 1906 the Simplon railway line was opened and visitors to Champex could arrive by horse drawn carriage from Martigny station. By 1907 there were 9 hotels in Champex offering over 500 beds. The resort sprung up with attractions such as a tennis court, beach, canoeing, trout fishing and even dances.

The world wars slowed down the development of Champex.  During the 2nd World War, Champex assisted a prominent German Jewish family (the Freudenberg Family) to take refuge.  The Freudenberg family had previously enjoyed several holidays in Champex before the war. They took residence on an island in the lake to protect themselves from Nazi Germany. The family themselves helped other Jewish refugees to escape over the border from France. The island in the lake now bears their name: “Iles de Freudenberg”. As a thank you to the village, the Freudenberg family developed hundreds of kilometers of paths and balcony viewing points around Champex which can be enjoyed today.

In 1952 Champex opens up to the winter tourism with inauguration of the Chair lift up to the peak of Mount La Breya and skiing became a popular winter recreational sport.

In 1988 the marshes of Champex, rich with flora and fauna, are declared a natural protected site of national importance.