www.snapi.org - Pictures and photos of the French Alps

The Alps originate from the collision between the European and the African tectonic plates. They belong to the mountain chains known as the Alpide belt which stretches all the way to the Himalayas. Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Switzerland are all part of this great mountain range which reaches its highest point in France, at 4808 meters above sea level, and still rising: Mont Blanc.

The French Alps offer a stunning scenery that can be enjoyed all year round. They are famous for its ski resorts which total about 5,500km of slopes, and an average of 260km ski domain accessible at each resort, some of which may bring you over to Switzerland or Italy. Les Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania, Brides-les-Bains, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Orelle), the Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets, Saint-Jean d'Aulps, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Abondance, Montriond), Paradiski (La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry, Les Arcs), the Evasion Mont-Blanc (Combloux, Megève, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, Les Contamines Monjoie) are the largest with over 400km of slopes.

If you are visiting the French Alps, be sure to try the local delicacies. They might not all be too good for your diet, but they will undoubtedly bring a smile on your face: raclette, tartiflette, fondue for example.

You will find in this gallery pictures of the French Alps!