France has fit of pique over Mont Blanc gate

A FRESH row over borders has erupted between France and Italy on Mont Blanc – or Monte Bianco – after the mayor of Chamonix blocked access to a precarious glacier that the Italians claim is in their territory.

Eric Fournier took the decision to close a gate – installed by the Italians – that gave access to Giant glacier, situated at an altitude of 11,480ft (3,500m). They claim the route, which is popular with walkers, is unsafe.

However, the decision sparked protests from residents in Courmayeur, a town on the Italian side of the mountain, who claimed “it’s Italy up there” and “they [the French] aren’t competent”.

Relations have plummeted to such an extent that Augusto Rollandin, the president of the Italian Aosta Valley region, has written a letter to the Italian government asking it to intervene.

The row stems from a disagreement between the two countries over how best to protect inexperienced climbers who attempt the dangerous Giant glacier climb. The French say access to the area should be banned completely, while the Italians argue warning signs are sufficient.

Last Saturday, Mr Fournier gave the go-ahead for Italian signs to be taken down and for the gate to be closed.

While the French say their territory starts at the beginning of the glacier, the Italians argue French land doesn’t begin until 300m further up.