Pointes longues, Mountain summit in Le Reposoir and Sallanches, France
Pointes Longues is a summit reaching 2,451 meters in the Bornes-Aravis range, marked by steep slopes and limestone rock formations along its trails. The routes cross exposed ridges and open Alpine meadows that widen the view with each step higher.
The summit became an established reference point during the 19th century as mountaineers began systematically exploring and mapping the French Alps. Its location made it a key landmark for developing early hiking routes across the region.
Shepherds work the slopes with traditional herding methods that have defined the Alpine meadows for generations, shaping the landscape you see as you walk higher.
The climb starts from Le Reposoir and takes about four hours on marked paths, with weather and exposure changing along the way. Good hiking boots and layered clothing are essential since conditions shift quickly at this elevation.
The summit sits where two different microclimates meet, creating a clear division where different plants grow on the north and south slopes. Walking up, you notice this biological boundary shift distinctly as light and temperature change.
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