Beyond the Postcard

While millions know these mountains through images of pristine ski slopes and summer meadows dotted with wildflowers, the true story of the French mountains extends far beyond tourism brochures. These are working landscapes where traditional practices persist alongside modern innovations, where the challenge of maintaining viable communities in harsh environments has sparked remarkable adaptations and resilience.

In high valleys across both ranges, you'll find farmers practicing transhumance—the ancient seasonal movement of livestock that has shaped these landscapes for thousands of years. Stone villages cling to mountainsides, their architecture evolved over centuries to withstand avalanches and maximize precious sunlight. Sacred sites mark ancient pilgrimage routes, while hydroelectric dams harness mountain torrents to power modern France.