A weekend hike up this beautiful mountain provides an amazing view of Geneva and the French Alps.

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Mt. Salève is technically in France and part of the French “Pre-alps,” or foothills of the Alps. We joined a group of hikers that go up the mountain every Sunday.

We learned from our guide that the Alps formed roughly 500 million years ago. Back then, the area was filled by the Tethyan Sea. The materials the Alps are made of, such as marble, limestone and granite, developed during many millions of years at the base of this sea. About 100 million years ago the African tectonic plate started to move towards the tectonic plates of Europe and Asia. Under the influence of this gigantic pressure the bottom of the sea rose to form new mountains. This is why there are fossils of shells on top of this huge mountain!

The lookout over Geneva and the lake, just stunning!