Barre des Écrins, Vallouise-Pelvoux, Briançon, Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Kontinentalna Francuska, Francuska
The Barre des Écrins, standing at 4,102 meters, is a prominent peak in the French Alps and the highest point of the Massif des Écrins and the Dauphiné Alps. Notably, it is the southernmost alpine peak in Europe exceeding 4,000 meters and is the only 4,000-meter peak in France outside the Mont Blanc Massif. Before Savoy’s annexation in 1860, it was considered the highest mountain in France.
Geographically, the Barre des Écrins is situated in the Hautes-Alpes department, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The mountain is characterized by its contrasting faces: the south side is rocky, while the north side is glaciated, starting the Glacier Blanc. It is surrounded by four glaciers, with distinctive features contributing to the mountain’s geology, including migmatized gneiss and an overlay of amphibolic face atop, suggesting a complex geological history.
The first ascent of Barre des Écrins was on 25 June 1864, led by A. W. Moore, Horace Walker, Edward Whymper, and their guides. This ascent marked a significant achievement in the history of alpine mountaineering. The Barre des Écrins continues to be a notable destination for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique alpine experience in the southern region of the French Alps.