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The Alps, the mountain range that arcs its way across much of Europe, is the youngest, largest, highest, and most densely populated mountain range in Europe. This mountain range was formed about 45 million years ago. The Alps covers most of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and extends into France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Slovenia.
The mountainous alpine region covering much of southeastern France is referred to as the French Alps. The French Alps are located in the Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regions. Some of the ranges and massifs of the French Alps are entirely within France, while others, such as the Mont Blanc Massif, are shared with Italy and/or Switzerland.
The highest peak in the French Alps is Mont Blanc (4,808 meters/15,774 feet) which is also the highest peak in the Alps and in Western Europe. Mont Blanc sits on the French-Italian border and the summit is shared by the two countries.
Three towns in the French Alps have hosted the Winter Olympics: Chamonix (1924) Grenoble (1968), and Albertville (1992). Other prominent resorts and towns in the French Alps are Annecy, Chambèry, Val-d’Isère, Morzine, St Gervais-les-Bains, and Évian-les-Bains.
The culture, history, and cuisine of the French Alps is also an important draw for visitors. The French Alps includes the region of old Savoy, the longest-ruling royal house in Europe. In Chambéry, a popular attraction is the Château de Ducs de Savoie. During the Belle Epoque, spa towns flourished, and resorts such as Aix-les-Bains, Evian-les-Bain, and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains still draw visitors with their thermal spas.
Hiking in the French AlpsThe French Alps is one of the great walking and hiking regions of Europe. There are several thousand kilometers of well-marked and maintained hiking paths that provide access to virtually every valley, mountain, glacier, and alpine meadow in the French Alps. These trails have something for everyone, with options for gentle walks or strenuous mountain treks.
In the northern part of the French Alps, the Chamonix Valley offers excellent hiking options on the flanks and valleys surrounding Mont Blanc. The hiking and trekking route which circles the Mont Blanc is the known as the Tour du Mont Blanc, and is regarded as the most popular trek in Europe.
Within the Mont Blan Range and throughout the French Alps, cable cars and funiculars provide easy access to many high mountain trails. Several national parks in the French also offer dayhikes and multiday hiking excursions, including Alps Parc National de la Vanoise, Parc National des Ecrins, and Parc National du Mercantour.
In the winter, skiing and snowboarding along with cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are popular. Some of the larger and best-known ski areas in the French Alps include Chamonix, Val-d’Isère, Courchevel, Megève, and Val Thorens.
