Geography: Mountains

Mont Blanc

Barre des Ecrins

France's diverse landscape is renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, which have left an indelible mark on the nation's culture, history, and identity. Among these peaks, some serve as vital water sources, acting as the headwaters for rivers that sustain downstream communities, agriculture, and livelihoods. Throughout France's history, mountains have played pivotal roles as natural fortresses, offering strategic advantages and protection to civilizations and kingdoms that sought dominion over the region. Towering summits have influenced trade routes and shaped patterns of human migration, while also becoming symbols of strength, endurance, and resilience within French folklore, literature, and art.

The table below includes information on France's most prominent mountains.

Highest Peaks	Elevation	Mountain Range	Type of Range
Mont Blanc	4,805.59 m (15,766.4 ft)	Graian Alps	Fold
Barre des Ecrins	4,102 m (13,458 ft	Dauphiné Alps	Fold
Grande Casse	3,855 m (12,648 ft)	Graian Alps	Fold
Mont Pourri	3,779 m (12,398 ft)	Graian Alps	Fold
Dent Parrachee	3,697 m (12,129 ft)	Graian Alps	Fold
Aiguilles d'Arves	3,514 m (11,529 ft)	Dauphiné Alps	Fold
Aiguille de Scolette	3,506 m (11,503 ft)	Cottian Alps	Fold
Pic Bayle	3,465 m (11,368 ft)	Dauphiné Alps	Fold
Pic de Rochebrune	3,320 m (10,890 ft)	Cottian Alps	Fold
Vignemale	3,298 m (10,820 ft)	The Pyrenees	Fold