Cottian Alps

Cottian Alps, mountain range, division of the western Alps on the Franco-Italian border, named after the 1st century bc Gallic chief Cottius. Located primarily in south-east France, but partly within north-west Italy, the Cottian Alps extend south from Mont Cenis Pass, at the southern end of the Graian Alps, to Argentière Pass, at the northern end of the Maritime Alps. The highest peaks are Monte Viso in Italy, 3,841 m (12,602 ft), and Aiguille de Chambeyron in France, 3,399 m (11,152 ft). Mont Genèvre Pass (1,854 m/6,083 ft), near Briançon, is crossed by a good road. On the Italian slopes of the Cottian Alps, the inhabitants, many descended from refugees of the French religious wars of the late 16th century, maintain their Protestant religion and old French dialect. Prior to World War II the French side of the Cottian Alps was heavily fortified. Cessions to France under the Italian peace treaty of 1947 included the Mont Cenis Plateau and the Mont Tabor-Chaberton area of the Cottian Alps.