Monte Viso

3,841m pyramid peak visible across the eastern Queyras

Monte Viso (3,841m) sits just on the Italian side of the border, but it dominates the skyline of the eastern Queyras. Walking trails from Abriès and from the Refuge du Viso get you close enough to feel its scale.

For serious walkers, the Tour du Mont Viso is a multi-day circuit around the mountain, with refuges on both sides of the border. The walk to the source of the Po, just below the peak, is a one-day target from the French side.

things to do sight
A story
Monte Viso is the source of the Po and the highest peak of the Cottian Alps. It was the first major Alpine 3000m+ peak to be climbed for sport (1861, by William Mathews) and is unmistakable from anywhere in the upper Queyras — a single pyramid rising clear above its neighbours.

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