Le Môle Mountain
Massif peak in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes near Geneva
Prominent peak near Geneva in Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes offering marked hikes, a ridge trail and panoramic viewpoints used by walkers for day excursions.
Le Môle at a Glance#
About Le Môle#
Le Môle is an isolated mountain massif in the French Alps, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It rises prominently above the Arve valley and the surrounding plain.
The summit sits at 1,863 metres and provides panoramic views over the Arve valley and, on clear days, the higher ranges including the Mont Blanc massif. The mountain is a familiar local landmark visible from towns in the valley and is used for day hikes and short alpine outings.
Geologically Le Môle is part of the subalpine formations shaped by alpine uplift and glacial erosion; its distinctive isolated form has long made it a reference point for local travel and mapping.
Le Môle overlooks the Arve valley in Haute-Savoie, positioned between the lowland towns that line the valley and the higher Alpine chain, within reach of the Geneva metropolitan area.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 1,863 metres, making the peak a distinct landmark above the Arve valley and visible from the surrounding plain.
- Best views: Clear, unobstructed panoramas from the summit include views across the Arve valley and toward the Mont Blanc massif on a clear day, so weather can dramatically affect visibility.
How to Get to Le Môle#
From Geneva or Annemasse, drive on the D1204 and local roads toward the town of Taninges or Bonneville, depending on the chosen trailhead. Public buses serve some of the valley villages in summer; check local timetables.
Tips for Visiting Le Môle#
- If doing the summit circuit, start early - the ridge can be exposed to strong winds in the afternoon.
- Look back toward Lake Geneva from the ridgeline on clear days; the view is more expansive than maps suggest.
Best Time to Visit Le Môle#
Best in summer for walking and in winter only for experienced, properly equipped parties.
Weather & Climate near Le Môle#
Le Môle's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1624 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 1° | -7° | 154 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 2° | -7° | 154 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 4° | -4° | 131 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 6° | -2° | 121 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 3° - 11° | 4° | 127 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 14° | 10° | 128 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 9° - 18° | 14° | 112 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 14° | 10° | 116 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 9° | 3° | 140 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 4° | -3° | 165 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 2° | -6° | 169 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |