Mountain climbing is one of the most exciting and adventurous activities that you can enjoy while you’re in France. Depending on your level of fitness and your desired height, mountain climbing can be an excellent way to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can plan your next climbing trip to one of the 65 domestic destinations in France by using TravelTriangle.com’s database of 650+ verified travel agents. In addition to mountain climbing, you can also explore the French countryside on foot.
Things to Do in France
Famous Mountains in France
Located just west of the Alps, the Vercors Massif is home to the highest mountain in France. It stands at 2,341 meters, considerably lower than the Alps to the east. The Vosges mountain range is home to the highest peak, the Grand Ballon. At 1,424 meters, this mountain is lower than the Alps in the Massif Central. Both mountains are stunningly beautiful but have their challenges.
The Vanoise Massif in southwest France features several impressive peaks, including the 3,779-meter-high Mont Pourri. The name of this mountain translates to ‘rotten mount’, and it is one of the easiest mountains to climb in the region. The mountain is popular with freeride skiers but is also accessible to climbers with less experience. It is believed to be named after mountaineer Pury, who climbed the mountain centuries before the famous observatory was built in 1861.
Another beautiful mountain in France is the La Tournette, which forms a spectacular backdrop to the Annecy lake. Reaching 2,351 meters above sea level, La Tournette is an accessible mountain for people with minimal experience. Parking at the foot of the mountain is easily accessible, and the path to the top is marked with signs and a well-marked route. The hike takes approximately three hours, depending on physical fitness. To complete the journey, you must be in good physical condition.
The Pyrenees are one of the oldest mountain ranges in France, spanning 280 miles (450 km) and forming a natural barrier between France and Spain. The Vosges, on the other hand, reach their highest peak near the Alps. If you love mountain climbing, this is an excellent place to start. And if you’re interested in the French Alps, the Jura Mountains, and the Massif Central are all worth visiting.
Among the 18 regions of France, Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s located southeast of the French mainland and west of Italy. It’s the fourth largest of the Mediterranean islands and is home to 472 peaks in total. A single mountain range covers almost two-thirds of the island. The island is also home to the Pyrenean desman, a rare species of bear. Its natural beauty also attracts hikers and wildlife lovers to the region.
The Vosges Mountains are located on the natural border between the Latin and Germanic languages. These mountains are often the border between Alsace and Lorraine. They’ve been a part of French history, as you can see by many medieval castles lying in ruin and First World War trenches. If you’re a history buff, these mountains are definitely a must-visit destination for you. The highest peak is the Grand Ballon, which is 1,424 meters high.
The Vosges Mountains are dotted with churches of all kinds, and their heritage is a rich one. The Vosges mountains have numerous examples of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque art. The last bear in the mountains was killed over the Munster Valley. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the Vosges, you’ll be delighted with its history and breathtaking landscapes. There’s something for every style of traveler.
The Jura Mountain range stretches across the Swiss-French border. This mountain range is made of fossil-bearing limestone that forms the Jura Limestone. It was formed between 200 and 145 million years ago. Wine-tasting is a popular activity in this area. And because the region is rich in limestone, the Jura is an ideal location for wine-growing. So, whether you want to relax on the slopes or test your mettle in the vineyards, the Jura is an ideal place to do it.
France Mountains to Visit – An Adventurer’s Paradise
If you’re looking for a mountain getaway, then France has plenty of mountains to explore. From medieval cities to alpine villages to the Mediterranean coast, France has it all. Paris is the capital, home to fashion houses, classical art museums, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. The country is also home to some of the world’s most sophisticated cuisines. The ancient cave drawings in Lascaux bear testimony to the country’s rich history.
The Aiguille du Midi, for instance, is the highest mountain in France. You can hike to the summit in summer, and ski down in winter. You can visit a glass box viewing platform, called Step Into the Void, or ride the famous Pipe, a cable car that circles around the peak. You can eat a delicious homemade pie at the refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille, a ten-minute hike from the cable car’s mid-point.
Another great activity in the French Alps is skiing. There are over 300 kilometers of slopes in the area, as well as cable cars that hover over the mountain’s terrain. You can also try your hand at off-piste runs and explore the region’s many Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether you want to ski or snowboard, France has something for everyone. It’s a vacation destination for all ages.
Mountain climbing is a thrilling adventure. France has over 650 verified travel agents and over 65 domestic destinations. You can find the perfect itinerary with our travel guides. You can also find deals on hotels, flights, and more. Get your hands on our best deals on flights to France Mountains to visit from 650+ travel agents. Then, get ready to explore the world’s most beautiful landscapes! The French mountains are an adventurer’s paradise!
The Canigou mountain range is one of the most breathtaking in France. It rises to 2,784 meters above sea level. If you don’t mind spending a day hiking up the mountain, this is definitely the trip for you. You’ll even be able to camp at the mountain’s campsites if you’d like. And don’t forget to pack a picnic and a sleeping bag; you’ll be glad you did!
In the lower altitudes, snow begins to melt, and then slowly moves up. The last snowfall occurs around April. Hiking is best in June and September, though it can be dangerous to hike earlier or later in the season due to avalanche risks. It’s also warm in the south, but there is a risk of thunderstorms. The French Alps are extremely popular during July and August, with the Mont Blanc area being one of the most popular.
For hiking, there are several places in the Pyrenees to visit. The Massif Central region is the largest in France’s highlands, covering more than 85,000 square kilometers. The region is full of rivers, woods, lakes, and wildlife. Hikers will love this region’s varied terrain, and you can take advantage of the 100-km-long hiking route in the area. The Auvergne Mountains are adjacent to the Massif Central.
For a more unique trip, consider riding the Train des Pignes (the “Pigs”), a steam engine that runs from Nice to Digne-Les-Bains. The trip includes the beautiful Var Valley, with deep tunnels cut into the mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass the fortified town of Entrevaux. The train ends at Digne-les-Bains, the capital of Alpes-de-Haute Provence.
The French Alps are the highest mountains in France and also the most extensive. They cover more than 1,200 square kilometers and were formed during the tectonic plates colliding 10 million years ago. Mont Blanc is Europe‘s highest peak, standing at 4810 meters. A trip up this mountain is not for the faint of heart. But it is an incredible experience. You’ll never forget it! With so many mountains to choose from, France has a perfect mountain getaway for you.
For adventure sports enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the snow. In addition to skiing, you can try mountain biking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. And if you’re not into skiing, you’ll find plenty of other activities in Megeve. Here you can enjoy the scenery without feeling overheated. If you want to enjoy a quiet retreat, you can stay at a luxury ski resort, or at the charming medieval town of Megeve.
In the region surrounding Mont-Blanc, a rack and pinion train takes you up to the Mer de Glace glacier, where you can see its famous Ice Cave. This glacier is being slowly melted away due to climate change, so get there soon! Also, check out the lovely medieval town of Annecy, located on the banks of Lake Annecy, France’s largest lake. The town has several beaches on the lakeside during warm weather.
