Study Topics Overview
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Fluvial Studies | Vegetation Regeneration | Geology | Glacial System | Deglaciation | Outwash plains | Hazards
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Alpine Settlements | Impact of Tourism | Winter Summer Tourism
Aiguille de Midi - this jagged pinnacle of rock is one of Chamonix's most famous landmarks. The cable car to the summit, built in 1955, was the world's highest cable car for two decades. It still holds the record as the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, from 1035m to 3842m. From the summit you are rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) - situated on the northern slopes of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France, 7km long and 200m deep. Access is via the Montenvers funicular railway which makes its way up to an altitude of 1913m. From here a small cable car takes visitors onto the glacier.
Les Gorges du Pont du Diable (The Devils Bridge Gorge) - visited as early as 1893, this gorge is one of a few places that clearly illustrate the power of erosion. The Dranse de Morzine River has carved a narrow gorge through hard grey marble leaving behind impressive jagged cliff faces.
Lake Annecy - the second largest lake in France, and Europe’s cleanest, Lake Annecy was formed about 18,000 years ago, at the time the large alpine glaciers melted. It is fed by many small rivers from the surrounding mountains and a powerful underwater source and can be explored on a boat trip.
Les Gorges du Fier - these spectacular limestone gorges eroded by the River Fier demonstrate the power of flowing water over a long period of time. A breathtaking walkway is suspended 27m high above the river.
Bossons Glacier - the largest ice fall in Europe, the Bossons Glacier is retreating rapidly as a result of climatic change. Students have the opportunity to carry out field studies at this dramatic location.
Subject Focus
KS 4-5 Glacial transportation, deposition and moraines
KS 4–5 Plate tectonics
KS 4-5 Hydro electric power and geothermal activity
KS 4-5 Farming, tourism and recreation
Tours at a glance
About France - French Alps School Trips
“Without taking students to such a place (French Alps) it would be very difficult to impress upon them how ice, something that appears so stationary and placid, could have been the dominant force behind the relief of much of Europe and Great Britain.”Chris Powell, Parmiter's School, July 2012 Show Me More»
