Aiguille de Criou, Mountain peak in Samoëns, France

Aiguille de Criou is a mountain summit near Samoëns that rises to 2207 meters and features a distinctive steep rock face. The peak stands as one of the prominent landforms in the Giffre valley area.

The mountain formed during Alpine mountain-building processes millions of years ago and was progressively shaped by erosion. These geological events created the peak as it appears today.

The name appears in two forms: Aiguille de Criou in French and Aouille de Criou in the local Savoyard spelling, where aouille corresponds to aiguille, meaning needle. The summit rises above the commune of Samoëns, and the surrounding slopes shown in photographs are grazed and wooded.

The climb is demanding and requires good fitness and mountain hiking experience. Proper footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.

The name Aouille de Criou comes from the local Savoyard form "aouille", meaning a sharp needle or peak, recorded alongside the French Aiguille de Criou. The summit reaches 2,207 metres above sea level within the commune of Samoëns, in Haute-Savoie.