Mont Blanc

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The highest mountain in the Alps, on the border between France and Italy, and one of the highest points in Europe at 4,807 m/15,772 ft. Lying 10 km/6 mi south of Chamonix, it forms part of the Mont Blanc range. The peak was first climbed in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard of Chamonix. In 1965 the longest road tunnel in the world (12 km/7.5 mi) was opened under the mountain, linking Chamonix to Courmayeur in Italy. There are many resorts along the base of the mountain which attract both summer and winter tourists and sportspeople; the main resorts on the French side are Argentière, Chamonix, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, and Megève.

Blue and red acknowledge Andorra's links with France. Red and yellow represent the influence of Spain. Effective date: c. 1866. >>