Maritime Alps

Part of the Western Alps, the Maritimes are located on the French-Italian border, north from Nice, southwest from Turin, and immediately south of the Cottian Alps. They are the southernmost massif in the Alps. The highest summit is only 30 miles from the sea, and the stable climate reflects this proximity. The mountains are small, rugged rock peaks rising above boulder-filled cirques and sub-tropical valleys. Rock climbing is popular here, especially in the area surrounding Argentera (10,817 ft.), the highest peak. Except in the highest and most sheltered areas, most snow has melted by summer.