Western Alps Map

The Western Alps, an integral part of the extensive Alpine Range, encompass regions across multiple European countries. This section includes southeastern France (notably areas like Savoie), the entirety of Monaco, northwestern Italy (specifically Piedmont and the Aosta Valley), and southwestern Switzerland, with regions such as Valais. The range is geographically bounded in the southeast by Italy’s Padan Plain and in the west by the Rhone Valley, setting it apart from France’s Massif Central. Notably, the Swiss Prealps form the northernmost segment of the Western Alps.

Distinct from their Eastern counterparts, the Western Alps are characterized by higher peaks and mountain passes, though they are narrower and more arched in structure. This part of the Alpine Range is divided into three main parts: the Western, Central, and Eastern Alps, as per the “Partizione delle Alpi.” This classification was established by the Italian National Geographic Committee in 1926, following the IX Italian Geographic Congress.

According to the Partizione delle Alpi, the Western Alps begin at the Bocchetta di Altare (or Colle di Cadibona) and extend to the Col Ferret. This division further categorizes the Western Alps into eight distinct sections: the Maritime Alps, Cottian Alps, Graian Alps, Provence Alps, Dauphiné Alps, Provence Prealps, Dauphiné Prealps, and Savoy Prealps. Each of these sections represents a unique aspect of the Western Alps’ diverse topography, contributing to the region’s rich geological and cultural tapestry.