The highest mountain range in Western Europe, the Alps reach their highest point at the summit of Mont Blanc, at 4,805 metres. From Austria to Switzerland, taking in Italy and France, 82 dizzying peaks rise above the massif at over 4,000 metres. Among them are the 10 highest peaks in the Alps listed below, as well as the 10 highest peaks in the French Alps, which we also cover here. And since these are all found within the Mont-Blanc massif, we’ve also included the highest peaks of each French mountain range.
The Top 10 Highest Peaks in the Alps
While Mont Blanc rises on the border between France and Italy, the vast majority of the 10 highest peaks in the Alps are found in Switzerland. This list, drawn from the peaks over 4,000 metres catalogued by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), takes into account the highest independent summits of the massif.
1. Mont Blanc (France/Italy) – 4,805m
The highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc is a symbol of excellence for mountaineers the world over. This legendary summit draws climbers in search of a challenge, thanks to its spectacular scenery and historic renown. Several impressive glaciers flow down from it, including the Mer de Glace and the Glacier des Bossons. Without climbing it — a project that remains achievable, if demanding — you can still admire it from a hotel with a Mont-Blanc view or a village with a Mont-Blanc view.
2. Dufourspitze, also known as Pointe Dufour (Switzerland) – 4,634m
The highest point of the Monte Rosa massif, Dufourspitze is also the highest peak in Switzerland. Its glistening glaciers make it a natural wonder. At 4,634m, it is the highest peak in Switzerland and the highest peak in the Alps outside the Mont-Blanc massif, according to Wikipedia. Its slopes feed the Gorner Glacier, a 14km-long tongue of ice and the third-longest glacier in Switzerland.
3. Zumsteinspitze (Switzerland/Italy) – 4,563m
Less well known and close to Dufourspitze, Zumsteinspitze, the second-highest peak in the Monte Rosa massif, fascinates climbers with its technical approach and exceptional panoramas spanning Switzerland and Italy.
4. Punta Gnifetti (Italy/Switzerland) – 4,554m
The third summit of Monte Rosa, just south of the other two, Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe in German) rises to 4,554 metres. It’s home to the highest mountain refuge in Europe, the Capanna Margherita, open in summer from late June to early September.
5. The Dom (Switzerland) – 4,545m
Still in Swiss Valais and not far from Monte Rosa, the Dom is an impressive standalone peak, flanked by a large glacier on its northern side. It’s also the highest Swiss summit that doesn’t sit on a border.
6. Liskamm (Switzerland/Italy) – 4,527m
Also in the Monte Rosa massif, Liskamm is a Zermatt peak nicknamed the “mountaineers’ cemetery” because of its treacherous cornices. At 4,527 metres, it straddles Switzerland and Italy, roughly halfway between the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
7. Weisshorn (Switzerland) – 4,506m
A towering peak overlooking Zermatt, the Weisshorn is renowned for its pyramidal beauty, making it one of the most striking summits in the Alps.
8. Täschhorn (Switzerland) – 4,491m
This peak, located between Saas-Fee and Zermatt, sits just south of the Dom mentioned above. It’s part of the Mischabel range, the second-highest mountain group in Switzerland.
9. The Matterhorn, or Cervino (Switzerland/Italy) – 4,478m
The Matterhorn is an Alpine icon — an emblem of Switzerland, but also of Zermatt and of Toblerone chocolate. Its slender shape is often likened to a perfect natural pyramid. It straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy, between the ski resorts of Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia.
10. Mont Maudit (France) – 4,465m
The second-highest peak in the Mont-Blanc massif, Mont Maudit sits on the border between France and Italy. It’s a classic feature of the “Three Mounts” route up Mont Blanc. It takes its name from the fact that, until the 18th century, Mont Blanc itself was known as the “cursed mountain” (montagne maudite).
The Ten Highest Peaks in the French Alps
Looking more closely at France, all 10 of its highest peaks are found within the Mont-Blanc massif. From Mont Blanc to the Grandes Jorasses, here are the 10 highest peaks in the French Alps:
- Mont Blanc – 4,805m
- Mont Blanc de Courmayeur – 4,748m
- Mont Maudit – 4,465m
- Dôme du Goûter – 4,304m
- Mont Blanc du Tacul – 4,248m
- Pointe Walker, Grandes Jorasses – 4,208m
- Pointe Whymper, Grandes Jorasses – 4,184m
- Aiguille Verte – 4,122m
- L’Isolée, Aiguilles du Diable – 4,114m
- Pointe Croz, Grandes Jorasses – 4,110m
The Highest Points of the Major Alpine Mountain Ranges
Taking just one peak per mountain range, here are some of the emblematic high points of the French Alps:
- Mont Blanc – 4,805m
The roof of the Alps and of Western Europe, an emblem of mountaineering the world over. - La Barre des Écrins – 4,102m
The highest point of the Southern Alps and of the Écrins massif, it’s also the highest summit located entirely within mainland France (excluding shared border peaks). - La Grande Casse – 3,855m
Located in the Vanoise National Park, this Vanoise summit is the highest point in the Savoie department. - Cime du Gélas – 3,143m
On the border between France and Italy, the Cime du Gélas is the highest point of the Mercantour. On a clear day, it offers spectacular views all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. - Pic de Rochebrune – 3,325m
This impressive peak is one of the symbols of the Queyras, renowned for its wild, unspoilt landscapes. It faces Monviso, the region’s iconic Italian summit, standing at 3,841m. - Mont Thabor (France/Italy) – 3,178m
At the crossroads of Italian, Savoyard and Hautes-Alpes territory, Mont Thabor is a popular summit for its spectacular panoramas and its historical significance in the Alps. - La Grande Sassière (France/Italy) – 3,747m
This angular peak, close to Tignes and Val d’Isère, is famous for being one of the highest summits accessible without mountaineering equipment in late summer. - Rochemelon (France/Italy) – 3,538m
This peak straddles France and Italy, though it’s more accessible from the Susa side, and is steeped in history. Every summer, it becomes the site of an annual pilgrimage. Here too, high altitude is reachable without any mountaineering equipment.