Mont Blanc & the Upper Arve

Alpine routes, mountain landscapes, and the high valleys beneath Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc and the Upper Arve form one of the most celebrated mountain regions in the French Alps, where high peaks, glaciers, forests, and alpine valleys create a landscape shaped by both nature and centuries of exploration. The area lies along the northern section of the GR5 (Briançon to Lake Geneva) and includes some of the most significant mountain terrain in Europe. Routes connect historic alpine settlements, high passes, and viewpoints beneath the Mont Blanc massif, linking places across the upper reaches of the Arve Valley.

Centred on the valley around Chamonix and the Upper Arve, the region combines dramatic mountain scenery with a long history of travel through the Alps. Glacial landscapes, mountain trails, and protected natural environments define much of the area, while routes connect valleys, ridgelines, and neighbouring alpine regions. Together, these routes and landscapes reveal the character of Mont Blanc and the Upper Arve while providing opportunities to explore at a slower pace through self-guided travel and independent exploration.