Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is the highest peak in France and the second highest in Europe. Its highest peak is 4807 m (15,771 feet) above sea level. The southeastern (Italian) face is a massive wall, while on the northwestern slopes are numerous glaciers. The largest glacier is the Mer de Glace. It flows into the valley of Chamonix, a famous French resort region and starting point for mountain climbers.

The first successful ascent of Mont Blanc was made in 1786. In 1965 a 12.1 km (7.5 miles) long highway tunnel was built under Mont Blanc, linking Chamonix with Courmayeur in Italy. It provides a short, year-round route between Paris and Rome, as well as a link between the Geneva region and Italy. It was closed as a result of a fire from 1999 to 2002. The tunnel is one of the longest vehicular tunnels in the world.

There are many hotels and hostels along the base of Mont Blanc. The mountains is on the French-Italian border, 520 km southeast from Paris and 625 km northwest from Roma (Rome).