With over 800 mountains, hundreds of miles of spectacular walking trails and a wonderful picturesque charm, the Alps are justifiably the premier destination in Europe for those wanting to revel in the great outdoors.

Population: Approximately 14 million across the Alpine region
Size of the Alpine region: 298,100 km²
Countries of the Alpine region: France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Monaco.
Three highest peaks: Mont Blanc (4,810 m / 15,780 ft), Monte Rosa (4,634 m / 15,203 ft), Dom (4,545 m / 14,911 ft)
Popular food: Cheese fondue is one of the best known Alpine dishes and is particularly popular in the central Alpine countries.
Did you know: The Edelweiss, a symbol of the Alps, is just one of the 13,000 species of plants that can be found in the region. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases.
FCO advice: FCO travel advice for France
World Travel Guide: World Travel Guide / France

Trekking in the French Alps