When spotting for a tourist destination in France, the French Alps will most definitely be on the list! These mountains are possibly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of France. High altitude, snow, cold breeze, beautiful scenery, you name it. The French Alps have it all. However, there is more to these Alps that the people do not yet know. There will always be new things to learn and discover about these beautiful snowy mountains. So, here is the list of things you must know about the French Alps.
- The French Alps are known to be the highest and the largest mountain ranges in South-Central Europe. It reaches almost 1,200 kilometers or 750 miles across eight countries in the Alps, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany.
- The name “The Alps” goes back to the 1950s. Back in time, the word “alp” was frequently used to describe tall and high mountains. Technically, this term pertains to any tall mountain covered in snow.
- The French Alps are the transition area or also known as the interzonal mountain system between the Mediterranean and Central Europe. It is known to have a high level of biodiversity. There are already 200 habitats discovered in the mountain ranges of the French Alps. The World Wildlife Foundation said that there are more than 4,500 plant species, 200 species of bird, 80 mammal species, 21 species of amphibian, and 15 reptile species. Most of these species already adapted to the cold conditions in the high-altitude mountains. Some animals you may see in the French Alps are wolves, brown bears, Eurasian lynx, chamois, and the Alpine ibex. Some of the species found in the Alps are endemic, which means that you can only see them in these mountain ranges and nowhere else around the globe. Also, according to the World Wildlife Foundation, the French Alps are one of the places in Europe that has the richest and large number of flora and fauna.
- The highest peak of the French Alps is the Mont Blanc, which is at 4,808 meters or 15,776 feet. It is known to be the second-highest mountain found in Europe. You can see the mountain Mont Blanc between the regions of France and Italy. Fun fact, the name “Mont Blanc” means “white mountain.” It is a direct representation of the beautiful snowfields and glaciers of the mountain. The French Alps is said to have more than a hundred mountain peaks taller than 4,000 m or 13,000 feet.
- The French Alps capture the hearts of many tourists. According to some, the Alps belongs to the most visited tourist destinations around the world. Over 120 million people come to the Alps and tour around the beautiful snowy mountain ranges, especially during the winter. It made an immense impact on the tourism industry and the sales of the region. Every year, the coastal and Alpine regions of Europe record the highest number of overnight stays.
- The French Alps are also the major source of drinking water, hydroelectric power, and water irrigation in the lowland of Europe. It provides almost 90% of water to Europe. European rivers that flow from the French Alps include the Rhone, the Rhine, the Po, and the Inn.
- You can find the mountain ranges of the Alps in eight different countries. The countries included are Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, France, and Slovenia. And each of these countries contains different histories and traditions of the Alps, which make them distinct and unique. During the winter season, you can try skiing in different ski resorts in the Alps in Europe. Then you can visit other tourist spots afterward, like the museums in Paris or some places in Rome. You may also enjoy eating in different restaurants. Whatever you do, the French Alps will always welcome you!
- Glaciers are also very prominent in the French Alps. You may find primary glacier regions in the Alps on the crest of the mountain ranges. Take note that you can usually find the largest glaciers at the highest peak of the mountains. On the other hand, glaciers in smaller sizes are scattered throughout the Alps.
- It is always a good idea to visit the French Alps since they are beautiful all year round. Snow in the Alps is very abundant during the winter season. You can also see wildflowers during spring. You may also enjoy the bright sunshine during the summer. And vibrant foliage during the fall.
- If you are a fan of skiing, you may want to visit Chamonix, the unofficial ski capital of the beautiful French Alps. It is set at the foot of Mont Blanc. Aside from skiing, you may also enjoy snowshoeing and mountaineering in Chamonix.