In search of clean air, a thousand places from the depravities of urban life? Travelvibe 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. It is also one of the first tourist destinations for winter sports. 

We understand why by observing its topographic map: France includes many mountain massifs. The metropolis alone consists of the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Jura, the Vosges, and the Massif Central. 

Discover France’s most beautiful mountains with the help of this guide. 

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The 10 Most Beautiful Mountains In France

1. Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is a mountain located in the Mont-Blanc massif (to impress your friends, slip them that the massif is written with a dash). It is the highest point of the Alps, France, and even all of Western Europe. 

We come to practice mountaineering, discover a preserved natural space and breathe extremely pure air. There is something for everyone from ski resorts to thermal cures, from hiking trails to ice waterfalls.

As beautiful in summer as in winter, this exceptional destination can be visited without moderation. If you want to try the ascent, call on the guides of Chamonix or Saint-Gervais. 

They will adapt to your level to offer you a great experience. Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful mountains in France and attracts many tourists every year.

2. The Bar of the Écrins

This alpine summit is located at the Barre des Écrins, between the Isère and the Hautes-Alpes. Here, no ski resort or altitude restaurant: a mountain refuge, and that’s it! 

This is what drives us to include it in our list of the most picturesque mountains in France. The location is very easy to reach: you only have to park at the Pré de Madame Carle.

This exceptional natural site serves as a car park, very convenient to welcome visitors in the summer. Once out, you will only have to take the marked trail to the famous crow’s feet. 

The path is divided into two: one leads to the Black Glacier, the other to the White Glacier. In both cases, what a show! 

Very affordable technically, this “race” (the name given to mountaineering courses) is an excellent way to get acquainted with the techniques of the high mountains.

3. Mont Ventoux

This summit is located in the south of France in the heart of the Vaucluse department. It owes its name to the violent wind that blows there almost all the time. 

The city of Carpentras is not far away, and that of Avignon is only a few dozen kilometers away. It is an Alpine buttress as it is part of the Prealpine Range. 

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 for being a recurring stage of the Tour de France, it is a cyclist’s paradise. Skiing is even possible there in winter: two different ski areas are available. 

Mont Chauve is a popular tourist attraction due to its lack of trees at its summit. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountains in France.

4. The peak of Canigou

The Canigou is located on the massif of the same name in the Pyrenees. It is certainly one of the most beautiful mountains in France. 

The Department of pyrénées-Orientales is therefore not just a seaside destination: you doubted it? It rises to 2,784 meters above sea level.

The ascent is done in a good day of walking. You can also camp there one night at the sites provided for this purpose. Beware of fire: the splendid forest is dense. 

To live 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 want to be part of it, go to the peak of Canigou!

If camping interest you, read our this article on “best wild camping places in France“

5. Le Puy Mary

The Puy de Sancy is the highest point of the Massif Central. However, the giant of Auvergne does not appear on our list of the most beautiful mountains in France. 

We preferred the splendid glacial valleys of Puy Mary in Cantal. From the top of its 1783 meters of altitude, it offers an exceptional view. We can distinguish seven glacial valleys arranged in a star all around the Puy Mary.

Less touristy than its cousins in the chain of Puys, it is ideal for relaxing in the middle of nature. We recommend that you try paragliding, which everyone practices here in winter and summer. 

Otherwise, a simple hike will be enough to convince you that Puy Mary is one of the most beautiful mountains in France.

6. The Peak of the Eagle

It is at 998 meters above sea level that culminates the peak of the Eagle. Not the largest of the mountains mentioned in our list, either, but certainly one of the most charming. 

Located in the Jura massif and the department of the same name, it dominates the valley of the 4 lakes. A sublime panorama awaits you. You can distinguish the mountains of the Jura range and the Alps when the weather is good.

The Pic de l’Aigle is particularly suitable for camping, picnics, or even sledding when the snow is there. Picnics? Consider tasting local specialties such as yellow wine, morels, or the famous county.

These local products are the pride of all Jurassians, and you will quickly understand why by savoring them. To know more about the wine region, read our article on “best wine tasting regions in France.”

7. The Hohneck

The Hohneck is the third summit of the Vosges massif but the highest point of the department. It rises to only 1,363 meters but is full of splendid natural sites and activity. 

It serves as the border between Alsace and Lorraine. If you like skiing, go to the resort of La Bresse Hohneck. Family-friendly, this modest resort is ideal for learning about the joys of winter sports. 

The little ones will be able to discover the pleasures of sledding in complete safety.

For walking enthusiasts, the Hohneck offers countless hiking trails. It’s also possible to access the Schiessrothried Lake: one of the most beautiful walks in the area.

8. The Great Jorasses

The Grandes Jorasses? It is a majestic peak located in the Mont Blanc massif. 

If it is one of the most beautiful mountains in France, it is also one of the three large northern faces of the Alps with those of the Matterhorn and the Eiger in Switzerland.

It is a myth for any experienced mountaineer. Participating in the legendary value summit requires experience, courage, and self-sacrifice. 

The great European climbers themselves have struggled to cross the most exposed routes. It is also possible to hike to the refuge of Leschaux located below. 

It serves as the starting point of this unique and majestic race. If you decide to try the ascent with a guide, it is a must!

9. The Pic du Midi d’Ossau

Ah, the Ossau Valley… Known for its succulent cheese, it is located in the west of the French Pyrenees. The Pic du Midi d’Ossau rises to 2,884 meters and dominates the Béarnaise part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. 

It is an ancient volcano, the Ossau volcano, formed 278 million years ago.

The peak is a fantastic climbing site traveled by thousands of visitors every year. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in France, what could be more normal? 

The peak can be seen as far as the plains of Aquitaine on a clear day. Nicknamed “Jean-Pierre” by the Béarnais, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau is a destination of choice for all lovers of the great outdoors. So, When are you going?

10. Mount Aigoual

Mount Aigoual is located in the south of Massif Central, between the Gard and the Lozère. It rises to 1,565 meters above sea level. Known for its relatively mild climate and exceptional panorama, you can, however, ski there in winter. 

There is no doubt that Prat Peyrot is the biggest ski resort in the Cévennes!

Mount Aigoual is also a place of remembrance of great historical importance. It was indeed a stronghold of the Resistance during the Second World War. 

Pleasant and warm in winter and summer, Mount Aigoual is truly unique. When you get there, you’ll quickly understand why.

Among all the mountains of France, which one will you choose?