Looking for fresh air a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Generation Voyage has compiled a list of the most beautiful mountains in France.
France is a great European country and a nation resolutely open to the world. In fact, it is one of the world’s leading winter sports destinations. It’s easy to see why when you look at its topographical map: France is home to many mountain ranges. Metropolitan France alone includes the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Jura, the Vosges and the Massif Central. We invite you to discover France’s most beautiful mountains with us. See you at the top!
1. Mont Blanc
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kojin
Mont Blanc is a mountain in the Mont-Blanc massif (to impress your friends, tell them that massif is spelled with a hyphen). It’s the highest peak in the Alps, in France and indeed in all of Western Europe. People come here to practice mountaineering, discover an unspoilt natural environment and breathe extremely pure air. From ski resorts to spa treatments, hiking trails to icefalls, there’s something for everyone.
As beautiful in summer as in winter, this exceptional destination can be visited without moderation. If you’d like to try your hand at climbing, call on our guides in Chamonix or Saint-Gervais. They’ll adapt to your level and offer you a wonderful experience. Mont Blanc is one of France’s most beautiful mountains and attracts many tourists every year: what about you?
2. The Écrins bar
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marco Barone
This Alpine summit lies at the foot of the Écrins mountain range, between the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments. There are no ski resorts or high-altitude restaurants here: just a mountain refuge! That’s why we’ve included it in our list of France’s most beautiful mountains. Getting here is easy: all you have to do is park at Pré de Madame Carle.
This exceptional natural site doubles up as a parking lot, making it very convenient for summer visitors. Once outside, simply follow the signposted path to the famous crow’s-foot. The path divides in two: one leads to the Black Glacier, the other to the White Glacier. In both cases, what a spectacle! Technically very accessible, this « course » (the name given to mountaineering routes) is a good way to familiarize yourself with high-mountain techniques.
3. Mont Ventoux
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This summit is located in the south of France, in the heart of the Vaucluse département. It owes its name to the strong wind that blows almost all the time. The town of Carpentras is not far away, and Avignon is only a few dozen kilometers away. It’s part of the Préalpines chain, and thus a foothill of the Alps. Its summit rises to 1910 meters, and its exceptional isolation offers an extraordinary panorama. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and even the Mediterranean Sea!
Known as a recurring stage of the Tour de France, it’s a cyclist’s paradise. In some winters, you can even ski here: there are two small ski resorts. Nicknamed Mont Chauve (Bald Mountain) due to the absence of trees at its summit, Ventoux is a must-see for tourists. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountains in France: find out why!
4. The Canigou peak
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Simon Biggar
Le Canigou is located on the massif of the same name in the Pyrenees mountain range. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountains in France. The Pyrénées-Orientales department is more than just a seaside destination: did you doubt it? Its highest point is 2,784 meters above sea level.
It’s a good day’s walk to the top. You can also camp for a night in the pitches provided. Beware of fire: the splendid forest is extremely dense. For a unique experience, you can opt for a night in a refuge. The Chalet des Cortalets and the Refuge de Mariailles are home to thousands of climbing enthusiasts every year. If you’d like to be one of them, head for the Pic du Canigou!
5. Le Puy Mary
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lucien Mollard
The Puy de Sancy is the highest peak in the Massif Central. However, the Auvergne giant doesn’t feature in our top list of France’s most beautiful mountains. We prefer the splendid glacial valleys of Puy Mary, in the Cantal region. At an altitude of 1,783 metres, it offers an exceptional view. There are seven glacial valleys arranged in a star shape around Puy Mary.
Less touristy than its cousins on the Chaîne des Puys, it’s an ideal place to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. Our tip: why not try your hand at paragliding, which is practised here in winter and summer alike? Otherwise, a simple hike will convince you that Puy Mary is one of the most beautiful mountains in France.
6. Eagle Peak
Photo Credit: Flickr – Mathias GUILLAUME
Pic de l’Aigle rises to an altitude of 998 metres. Not the tallest mountain on our list, but certainly one of the most charming. Located in the Jura massif and the department of the same name, it dominates the 4 Lakes valley. A sublime panorama awaits you. You can make out the mountains of the Jura chain and the Alps on a clear day.
Pic de l’Aigle lends itself particularly well to camping, picnics and even tobogganing in snowy conditions. Picnics? Don’t forget to sample local specialities such as vin jaune, morels or the famous Comté cheese. These local products are the pride of the Jura people, and you’ll soon see why when you taste them.
7. Le Hohneck
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The Hohneck is the third highest peak in the Vosges massif, but the highest in the département. It rises to just 1,363 metres, but is packed with splendid natural sites and activity. It forms the border between Alsace and Lorraine. If you love to ski, the resort of La Bresse Hohneck is the place for you. This small, family-friendly resort is the ideal place to learn the joys of winter sports. The little ones can discover the pleasures of tobogganing in complete safety.
For walkers, the Hohneck offers countless hiking trails. You can even reach the Schiessrothried lake: one of the most beautiful walks in the region.
8. Les Grandes Jorasses
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The Grandes Jorasses? It’s a majestic peak in the Mont Blanc massif. One of the most beautiful mountains in France, it is also one of the three great north faces of the Alps, along with the Matterhorn and Eiger in Switzerland.
It is a myth for every experienced mountaineer. Experience, courage and self-sacrifice are all required to conquer this legendary peak. Even the greatest European climbers have struggled to overcome the most exposed routes. You can also hike to the Leschaux refuge below. It is the starting point for this unique and grandiose route. If you decide to attempt the climb with a guide, it’s a must!
9. Pic du Midi d’Ossau
Photo Credit: Shutterstock – Photomarine
Ah, the Ossau valley… Famous for its delicious cheese, it lies in the western part of the French Pyrenees. The Pic du Midi d’Ossau rises to 2,884 meters and dominates the Béarn part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. It is in fact an ancient volcano, the Ossau volcano, formed 278 million years ago.
The Pic is a fantastic climbing area visited by thousands of people every year. It’s one of the most beautiful mountains in France, so what could be more natural? On a clear day, the peak can be seen as far as the plains of Aquitaine. Nicknamed « Jean-Pierre » by the people of Béarn, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau is a prime destination for lovers of wide open spaces. When are you going?
10. Mount Aigoual
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Mont Aigoual is located in the southern Massif Central, between the Gard and Lozère regions. It reaches an altitude of 1,565 meters. Known for its mild climate and exceptional panoramic views, it is also an ideal place for winter skiing. The winter sports resort of Prat Peyrot is even the largest ski resort in the Cévennes!
Mont Aigoual is also a memorial site of great historical importance. It was a stronghold of the Resistance during the Second World War. Warm and welcoming in winter and summer alike, Mont Aigoual is truly one of a kind. When you visit, you’ll quickly understand why.
Of all the mountains in France, which will you choose?