15 most beautiful mountains in France
Author: Clark Tos
2022-10-13 18:41:01
Discover the 15 most beautiful mountains in France. By going there, you will enjoy your vacation while visiting unique places in the world.
1. Mont-Blanc
Mont Blanc under the radiance of the sun Credit: OVB_Moscow
Mont Blanc is one of the most visited mountains in France. It is located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, the highest point of the Alps as well as France and all of Western Europe. You can visit this mountain with your family, especially if you like mountaineering. Note that the Alps are a touristic destination home to ski resorts. You will discover a preserved natural area, thermal centers, ice waterfalls and hiking trails.
The Mont-Blanc can be visited without moderation. As one of the emblematic mountains of France, Mont Blanc attracts many visitors in both winter and summer.
2. The Écrins bar
The Ecrins bar under the summer sun Credit: SanderStock
Between the Hautes-Alpes and Isère, at the base of the Barre des Écrins, you will find alpine peaks and ski resorts. Also take advantage of mountain refuges and high-altitude restaurants. Integrating the list of the most beautiful mountains of metropolitan France, the Ecrins bar offers many activities suitable for all family members.
Note that this natural site has car parks. To visit the crow's feet, take the marked trail. You can also cross a path that leads to the glacier or another path that will direct you to the white glacier . These routes invite you to discover different landscapes of high mountains.
3. Mount Aigoual
Mont Aigoual with a blue sky Credit: Gwenvidig
Located in the heart of the Massif Central, in the southern zone, Mont Aigoual integrates the Lozère and the Gard . This mountain culminates at 1,565 meters above sea level. It has a mild climate.
Apart from the exceptional panorama it offers, it is possible to skiing in Mont Aigoual in winter . Note that the Prat Peyrot resort, dedicated to winter sports, is ahead of that of the Cévennes in terms of reception capacity.
Mont Aigoual is home to various historical monuments . During the Second World War, it was one of the strongholds of the Resistance. Warm, this mountain is pleasant in winter as in summer.
4- Mont Ventoux
A road that leads to the top of Mont VentouxCredit: bofotolux
This peak is located in the southern area of France, in the heart of the Vaucluse department. Even if exposed to strong winds, it is perfect for vacation and experience family activities. The city of Carpentras is located near the city of Avignon, a few dozen kilometers away.
Constituting an alpine buttress, the Ventoux integrates the chain of the Pre-Alpines. Its summit culminates at 1,910 meters above sea level. Thanks to its exceptional isolation, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama. Among other things, you will see the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.
This mountain is the cyclists paradise , because it is home to a stage of the Tour de France. It also has mini Ski stations .
5- The Pic du Midi d'Ossau
A photo of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau and lake in the French Pyrenees Credit: philipimage
Known for its delicious cheese, the Ossau Valley is located west of the Pyrenees in France. The summit of Midi d'Ossau is located at 2,884 meters above sea level. This mountain dominates the Béarnaise part, an integral part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Know that 278 million years ago, the Ossau volcano was still active.
Every year, many visitors travel through the Pic du Midi d'Ossau . They take advantage of their holidays to climb one of the most magnificent mountains in France. On a clear day, it is possible to see the peak as far as the plains of Aquitaine. If you like them big spaces , this mountain is an ideal vacation spot.
6- The Grandes Jorasses
Grandes Jorasses and the Mont-Blanc Massif in a photo Credit: cdbrphotography
This summit located in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif is one of the most visited mountains in France. Standing in the northern zone, the Grandes Jorasses also constitute one of the three parts of the Alps with that of the Eiger in Switzerland and the Matterhorn.
You can hiking in the Grandes Jorasses . Be aware that many experienced mountaineers and European climbers join this massif to cover difficult and more exposed routes.
If you want to attempt a climb while enjoying panoramic landscapes, do not hesitate to call on a guide. He will show you the passages not to be missed during your ascent.
7- Le Hohneck
Panoramic view of the Vosges mountains from the Col du Hohneck Credit: NicVW
As one of the summits of the Vosges massif, the Hohneck is the highest point in this department. This mountain culminates at an altitude of 1,363 meters. It is also home to many natural sites and offers several tourist activities. Do you like skiing? The mountain has a station located in La Bresse-Hohneck . Despite its small size, it is practical for getting started in winter sports.
For the hiking enthusiasts , the Hohneck offers many walking routes. In addition, it is possible to enjoy the lake of Schiessrothried after beautiful walks in the mountainous areas.
8- Eagle Peak
Pic de l'Aigle: the four lakes of Jura Credit: Philippe Paternolli
The peak of the Eagle is 998 meters above sea level. Certainly, it is not the largest mountain in France. However, it is among the most beautiful mountains in Europe . Located in the Jura massif, the peak of the Eagle dominates the valley of the four lakes. A sublime panorama is revealed from the sides of this massif. When the weather is nice, you can also make out the Alps and the Jura mountains.
If you like the camping , the peak of the Eagle is suitable for this kind of activity. Picnics, sledding, etc. are also interesting activities during your stay in this mountainous part of the Jura.
9- The peak of Canigou
A photo of Pic de Canigou in the Pyrenees Orientales Credit: image2roman
This summit is in the Canigou massif, in the heart of the Pyrenees mountain range. In the Western Pyrenees department, it is located at an altitude of 2,784 meters. If you like walking, this mountain has many hiking areas. It also has a pitch for camping. For enjoy unique landscapes , take a trip to this mountainous department. Every year, thousands of mountaineering enthusiasts spend their holidays in this part of the Pyrenees of France.
10- The Puy Mary
Photo of the Auvergne Volcanoes Park in Puy Mary Credit: HervMarcilloux
Puy Mary is the summit of the Massif Central . In this area, especially in Cantal, you will find glacial valleys. The summit of Puy Mary reaches 1,783 meters above sea level. As a result, it offers an exceptional view. From its highest point, you can make out the seven valleys extending in the shape of a star around Puy Mary. This mountainous area is less touristy compared to other mountains. You can still join it if you want to learn paragliding or if you like Trek . Taking the time to explore this mountain is recommended. Moreover, the Mountain ranges are home to a park of volcanoes.
11- The Cat's Tooth
Panoramic from the mountain peak of La Dent Du Chat Credit: thibault_a
The Dent du Chat culminate at 1390 meters above sea level. It integrates the famous Chat mountain range (Jura). This canine-shaped mountain of France extends to the western areas of Lac du Bourget, near Aix-les-Bains, Savoie.
La Dent du Chat offers panoramic views outstanding as well as many hiking trails. However, to take full advantage of its sumptuous panorama, it will be necessary to take quite sporty routes.
12- The Puy de Sancy
Sunset at the top of Puy de SancyCredit: Beboy_ltd
This massif is a legendary mountain . It is one of the highest massifs in France. Indeed, the Puy de Sancy culminates at 1886 meters above sea level. Located in Auvergne, inside the Parc des Volcans, this mountain can be discovered aboard a cable car. You can only walk halfway up the climb, 864 steps.
The view from the highest point of this mountain is surprising. Planning a trip to discover this part of Auvergne is recommended for an unforgettable experience.
13- Sainte-Victoire Mountain
Photo of Mount Sainte-Victoire Credit: Philippe Paternolli
The Mount Sainte-Victoire is a place emblematic of Provence . It extends over a length of 18 km, with a width of 5 km. Thanks to its characteristic silhouette, the Sainte-Victoire Mountain has become legendary.
Every year, thousands of visitors hike the area. Indeed, the site is an area that many climbers appreciate very much. Hang gliders and picnickers are also welcome in the region.
14- Le Pic de la Meije
La Meije in the Ecrins National Park Credit: francois-roux
Its name comes from the word Meidjo, which means noon in Provençal. Also nicknamed the South needle , this mountain in France is the highest point in the Écrins. It is located in the area bordering the departments of Isère and Hautes-Alpes.
La Meije remains a complex challenge for experienced mountaineers. Generally, its summit does not appear, but remains lost in the clouds. Its first ascent was in 1877.
15- Mont Aiguille
View at Mont Aiguille in the Alps Credit: DorSteffen
With its 2086 meters of altitude, this mountain is one of the seven wonders of Dauphiné . Its first exploration dates back to the 15th century. Due to its difficulty of access, this mountain is reserved for experienced mountaineers. In addition, it takes serious preparation to complete the trip.
Know that this mountain offers a beautiful view of Grenoble . You can also enjoy the Chartreuse and the Grand Veymont, the highest point of the Vercors mountain range.
In summary, these 15 mountains are all wonderful places to discover in France. They are perfect destinations for lovers of wide open spaces, and above all, thrills.