French Alps, France

The majestic snow-capped peaks of the French Alps inspire awe at the wonders of nature. Mont Blanc is the highest peak - 4810 m in the Alps and Europe.

At the foot of Mont Blanc is the town of Chamonix, which is a famous winter resort with a population of 9 thousand people. In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held here. From Chamonix there is a train to the Mer de Glas glacier, which is 14 km long and looks like an unexpected frozen river. This place attracts tourists with its jagged, even fearsome peaks. The peaks of Aegis de Midi (3842) and Le Breven (2526) are reached by cable car, where the view of Mont Blanc is magnificent.

The Alps are also beautiful in summer, when the light is brighter, the air is fresh and the meadows are covered with a variety of alpine flowers. In the Savoie region of the Alps there are five large reserves, of which Vanoise is the first national park in France. There are many rare animals such as antelopes, wild goats and golden eagles. Countless species of wild flowers such as lilies, orchids, tulips and alpine anemones arouse the admiration of tourists.

The lakes, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the towns along them, are an unforgettable sight. Tonon le Banne and Evian le Banne are towns located on the shores of Lake Geneva.From both towns you can go to Switzerland by boat.The town of Evian le Banne is famous for the healing qualities of the mineral water discovered here as early as the end of the 18th century. The palace of the English King EdwardVII is a landmark of the town. At the end of the 19th century, the famous Evian brand of mineral water was bottled in Evian.

The town of Aix le Ban is situated on Lake Bourges between the French Alps and the Jura, with a population of 28 thousand. It is a spa center with mineral springs since Roman times. Nearby is the Benedictine Abbey of Otcombe. A church built in the 19th century houses the tombs of the princes of Savoy.

The town of Annecy is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy and has a population of 51 thousand. It is called Venice at the foot of the Alps. With its many flowers, ancient houses and numerous canals, it looks like a city from fairy tales. It is connected to Lyon and Paris by rail. The city's greatest landmark is the Palace of the Island, built in the 12th century, triangular in shape and surrounded by water.