Green Mountain

Discover the mountains

The mountains are a rich territory, with a variety of landscapes, each just as breathtaking as the next. The majesty of the mountains may give them the impression of inaccessible places, but the reality is quite different! The mountains offer activities to suit all ages and abilities, even if you’re a first-timer.

France Montagnes introduces you to summer mountain activities, so you can discover the special features and wonders of the mountains in the best possible way.

The mountains, a unique place: nature, fauna and flora

If there’s one area with a wealth of natural resources, it’s the mountains. With peaks, footpaths, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and mountain passes, its unique landscapes allow everyone to contemplate or practise the terrain they prefer.

France also boasts a wealth of geographical diversity, with no fewer than 7 mountain ranges, each with its own special characteristics. So you can go mountaineering on the very highest peaks, or take a contemplative stroll beside a lake at low altitude.

In addition to the landscapes, the mountains are also rich in animals that can be found nowhere else. As you explore the mountain environment, you may be lucky enough to come across wildlife and endemic species such as the famous marmots, chamois and ibex, or birds of prey, which have a huge playground and home here.

The flora is not to be outdone in the mountains, with plants that only evolve at a certain altitude and according to the very specific characteristics of the environment. Many are renowned for their therapeutic or medicinal properties, or for being used to make dishes and drinks that are emblematic of the mountains.

The mountain

A place to preserve

All these particularities demonstrate the importance of knowing and respecting the mountain environment.

Preserving nature means adopting simple gestures during our outings, such as :

  • Observe and avoid damaging nature as much as possible. This also means being discreet, so as not to disturb species that are sometimes experiencing key moments in their development in the peace and quiet of the mountains,
  • Follow the marked trails when hiking, so as not to damage the sometimes fragile vegetation or disturb the animals’ natural habitat,
  • Adopt an eco-responsible attitude, by leaving nature in the same state as when we arrived, without leaving any trace of our passage.

If you’re not used to the mountains, no problem! The locals, who know this environment like the back of their hand, are there to help you make the most of it without any consequences. In each mountain range, you can call on the services of professionals and take part in guided outings or discovery workshops. France’s mountain ranges are also covered by protected areas such as regional and national parks, where you can learn about the best practices for the area in question.

For more information, click here: https: //www.parcs-naturels-regionaux.fr/

© OT station du Lac Blanc

Preparing for an outing in the mountains

Good preparation is essential if you want to enjoy a mountain outing in complete safety! Before setting off, check the weather forecast and adapt your itinerary to your level and the conditions of the day.

Weather conditions can be very changeable in the mountains, and the big blue sky of the morning before setting off can change completely in a few hours. To anticipate differences in the weather between your home and the altitude, you can also consult the resorts’ webcams, which give you a real-time overview.

Next, it’s vital to choose the right equipment: sturdy walking boots, sun protection (hat, sun cream, glasses), plenty of water, and clothing suited to the temperature changes. You should also pack a first-aid kit, even for a short hike.

As the mountains are a natural environment, it’s easy to get lost! That’s why we recommend that you always set off with a map (in case you run out of battery!) or a GPS, and that you tell someone where you’re going, to be on the safe side.

There are also a number of tools you can use to prepare for your trip to the mountains, including mountain orientation workshops, first aid courses and leaflets so you always have the right information to hand.

Find out more from your local tourist office and consult our special mountain safety pages.

Learn to ski in all seasons with the ESF

ESF instructors are true ambassadors for their mountain areas, so they don’t just give ski lessons, they are there to help children and adults alike discover the mountains in all seasons.

As part of their “Montagne Expérience” offer, the ESFs propose discovery activities and courses for beginners, called “Mon aventure montagne”.

These short courses are designed to help you learn how to enjoy the mountains in complete safety, by introducing you to the basics of all summer activities. The instructors teach orientation, the correct way to observe fauna and flora, and the preservation of natural environments in general, as well as first aid and safety techniques.

Thanks to immersive tools and the expertise of these mountain enthusiasts in all their forms, the ESF’s Montagne Expérience supervised workshops are an ideal introduction and learning experience for children and anyone experiencing their first mountain adventure, whether as a family or not.

But of course “my mountain adventure” isn’t just theory! ESF instructors know their resorts like the back of their hand, so they’ll be happy to accompany you on hiking trails or mountain bike outings. Some ESF schools also organise ‘Summer Camps’, where you can discover the mountains in summer through original activities and create unforgettable memories!