Tête Carrée

Tête Carrée is a mountain peak at 3732 meters forming the border between France and Italy with steep rock faces and sustained slopes throughout. The summit takes its name from its distinctly flat, square-shaped top that stands out in the Mont Blanc massif.

The peak has long marked the international border and helped define territorial boundaries in the Mont Blanc massif during surveying efforts. Early mountaineers who climbed both sides contributed to the mapping and demarcation of this frontier region.

Local mountaineering traditions include technical ascents from both Les Contamines and Courmayeur sides, following routes established by early Alpine pioneers.

Routes demand technical climbing skills, glacier crossings, and proper mountaineering gear to manage the steep terrain safely. Starting points lie at lower elevations on both the French and Italian sides with increasingly demanding conditions higher up.

The summit features a system of couloirs that link the climbing routes on both sides, allowing climbers to choose different paths to the top. These channels through the rock add variety to the ascent and create distinct climbing experiences depending on the chosen direction.

Location: Les Contamines-Montjoie

Location: Courmayeur

Elevation above the sea: 3,732 m

Part of: France–Italy border, ligne de partage des eaux entre mer Adriatique et mer Méditerranée

GPS coordinates: 45.80172,6.81182

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:24