Mont Revard

Mont Revard. It is a prominent summit in the Bauges Massif, part of the French Prealps within the larger Alps system. Located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it forms a significant landmark overlooking the Lac du Bourget and the city of Chambéry. The mountain is renowned for its extensive plateau, which has been a major center for winter sports and tourism since the late 19th century.

Geography and Topography

The mountain rises to an altitude of 1,532 meters, dominating the western edge of the Bauges Massif. Its broad, forested plateau offers panoramic views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, and the lowlands of the Savoie region. To the north, the terrain descends sharply towards the Combe de Savoie and the Isère river valley. The southern and eastern flanks integrate into the rugged limestone landscape of the Bauges Regional Natural Park, a protected area known for its biodiversity. Key nearby peaks include the Dent du Chat and the Grand Colombier, which frame the horizon across the Lac du Bourget.

Geology and Natural Features

The massif is primarily composed of Urgonian limestone, a formation characteristic of the French Prealps that dates to the Cretaceous period. This geology has resulted in typical karst features, including dolines, lapiaz, and underground drainage systems. The plateau is covered by extensive pastures and mixed forests of spruce and beech, which provide habitat for species like the chamois and the capercaillie. Several notable avens, such as the Trou de la Tine, are found on its slopes, attracting speleologists from across Europe.

History and Human Activity

Human activity on the plateau dates to medieval times, primarily for transhumance and forestry. Its modern history began in 1892 with the inauguration of the Crémaillère du Revard, a pioneering rack railway from Aix-les-Bains that spurred development. The mountain became a fashionable resort for the aristocracy and figures like Queen Victoria, who visited the Grand Hôtel du Revard. During World War II, the area was a site of activity for the French Resistance against the Vichy regime and Nazi Germany. The plateau has also hosted significant ski jumping competitions, including events for the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.

Tourism and Recreation

It is a premier year-round destination, historically considered one of the first major ski resorts in France. The domain, managed by the Compagnie des Alpes, offers over 80 kilometers of alpine skiing trails and extensive cross-country skiing networks. Summer activities include hiking on trails like the Tour des Bauges, mountain biking, and paragliding from sites such as the Col du Frêne. The Fréterive sector is particularly popular for family skiing, while the summit restaurants provide commanding views of the Lac du Bourget and the Chartreuse Mountains.

Communications and Access

Primary access is via the D913 road from Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry, which winds up the mountain's western face. The historic rack railway was replaced by a modern road in the 1930s. The nearest major transport hubs are Chambéry Airport and the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux railway station, providing connections to Lyon and Geneva. Local bus services operated by the Synchro Bus network link the resort to surrounding valleys. The summit is also a noted site for broadcasting, hosting transmission towers for Radio France and digital television across the Savoie region.

Category:Mountains of Savoie Category:Bauges Massif Category:Ski areas and resorts in France