Dauphiné Alps

North of Belledonne, the mountains of the Lauzière and Grand Arc rise between the valleys of the Isère and Arc. Their rocky crests continue the long chain of crystalline Alpine massifs, overlooking the routes through Maurienne and Tarentaise. Forests and grazing grounds occupy lower slopes, while snow gathers on the exposed heights. These ridges separate the great valleys even as passes allow movement between them.