Shared between France, Italy and Switzerland, the Mont-Blanc massif is home to the highest summit in Europe. Culminating at 4 meters above sea level, this giant shaped out of granite and ice dominates the massif that bears its name. Famous throughout the world, the Mont-Blanc massif attracts many mountaineers every year, who come to tame this mythical snow colossus.

The Mont-Blanc massif, iconic and mythical

The Mont-Blanc massif, 400 km² large, links vertiginous peaks, granite needles and bluish seracs. Perfectly capped by the ice cap, it is a pure masterpiece. While the eternal snow contrasts with the blue of the sky, the needles seem to caress the sun.

A unique spectacle that has always fascinated. Because these mountains make the eyes of mountaineers all over the world shine. A veritable paradise, the frantic summits, the disproportionate walls and the frenzied glaciers become the objective of many sportsmen, in search of emotions and sensations. Although the Mont Blanc race remains the most popular for the beauty and pride it provides, the neighboring peaks are also taken by storm by mountain enthusiasts, who come to measure themselves against the gravity of the slopes of the roof of Europe.

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© Jean-Pierre NOISILLIER
© Loic LAGARDE

Go on an adventure in the Mont-Blanc massif

To discover the alpine landscapes of the Mont-Blanc massif more closely, let yourself be guided by the Montenvers train. A true legend, it offers you a panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Mer de Glace, as well as the irresistible desire to get even closer. To do this, the meeting point is at the Aiguille du Midi cable car, culminating at an altitude of 3 m. As close as possible to the roof of Europe, it offers you an exceptional experience in the heart of the high mountains.

With its “Step into the Void” room fully glazed from floor to ceiling, dive into immersion with a void of more than 1 meters under your feet! For good skiers, the highest cable car in France also gives you access to the Vallée Blanche, an extraordinary off-piste route in the middle of the glaciers of the Mont-Blanc massif. And for those who want to touch the summits with their fingertips, overflights by plane or helicopter are possible from the Cote 000 altiport in Megève. A magical moment when, perched between land and peaks, the Mont-Blanc massif reveals its most beautiful treasures.

Did you know?

August 8, 1786. Mont Blanc is climbed for the first time. At the head of this feat, two French. Jacques Balmat, high mountain guide, who will be the first to set foot on the summit of Mont Blanc, accompanied by Michel Gabriel Paccard, doctor and nephew of the oldest guide in the valley who will reach the summit a few minutes later.

Discreetly leaving on August 7, the two mountaineers bivouacked before launching an assault on this mythical summit, which is the dream of Chamoniards. Without ropes, ice axes and crampons, Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard successfully climbed Mont Blanc on August 8, 1786. Back in the valley, the glory of the two men is immense and immediate. The road is now open. The men's ropes followed one another until 1808 when Maria Paradis, then a Chamonix maid, led the first female ascent of Mont Blanc. The route, considered too dangerous, will be abandoned in 1820 to make way for the current route. Even today, the roof of Europe remains and still remains the objective of many mountaineers.

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© Jean-Pierre NOISILLIER

In addition to the massif, the country of Mont-Blanc is also…

Four valleys, fourteen municipalities including that of Megève, 6 ski resorts, numerous forests, azure lakes, green mountain pastures, granite peaks, hidden chapels, thermal waters and mythical summits... Without a doubt, the Pays du Mont-Blanc conceals many hidden treasures.

Preciously organized around many slopes including that of the Mont-Blanc massif, it never ceases to amaze. Located between 800m and 4810m, the valley offers a large plateau of sporting, cultural or contemplative activities, accessible to all. Through its remarkable heritage of baroque and contemporary art at the crossroads of the history of Savoy, its magnificent mountain lakes, its important facilities and equipment or its prestigious ski areas, the Pays du Mont-Blanc claims to be the world cradle of mountain tourism.

© Jean-Pierre NOISILLIER

The country of Mont-Blanc in figures

  • 14 Commons
  • 400 hamlets
  • 4 valleys
  • 71 ice cream parlors
  • 400 peaks
  • 860 km of ski slopes
  • 294 ski lifts
  • 57 255 people
  • 201 tourist beds
  • 78 hectares in area including 800 hectares of forest
  • 4 national parks
  • 2 GR: the GR© Tour du Mont-Blanc and the GR© 5

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