Alpes is the name of three departments in France. That of BASSES-ALPES occupies the NE. part of Provence, and is the most sparsely populated in all France. It is, for the most part, mountainous, consisting of spurs or offshoots from the Maritime Alps, which run in numerous chains towards the Rhone. In the north, the climate is cold, the soil poor, and the cultivation bad; in the south, the climate is much better—almonds, apricots, peaches, and various other choice fruits are grown. The wines are excellent. The mines produce lead, green marble, &c. At Digne and Gréoulx there are mineral springs. The department is watered by the Durance. The area of the department is 2685 sq. m.; pop. (1886) 129,494; (1891) 124,285. The chief town is Digne.
The HAUTES-ALPES, lying north of the Basses-Alpes, and forming a part of the old province of Dauphiné, is traversed by the chief range of the Cottian Alps, which here rise, in Mount Pelvoux, to the height of 14,000 feet. The scenery, especially along the course of the impetuous Durance, is singularly picturesque. The Hautes-Alpes is, after Savoy, the highest department in France; the fierce north wind and the perpetual snow on the lofty peaks make the climate severe and the winter long, so that the barren soil will yield little else than potatoes, a little rye, oats, and barley, although thick forests clothe the mountainsides. Area, 2158 sq. m.; pop. (1886) 122,924; (1891) 115,522. The mines produce lead, copper, iron, and anthracite. Every autumn, some four or five thousand people leave the colder heights to seek employment during the winter months in the lower department. Chief town, Gap.
ALPES MARITIMES, a department in the extreme SE., on the shores of the Mediterranean and confines of Italy, was formed in 1860. It is made up of the ancient county of Nice, which was ceded in that year to France, and of the arrondissement of Grasse. The chain of the Alpes Maritimes forms the northern boundary of the department, and from it numerous spurs run seaward, among which are lovely and fertile valleys. The climate is mild and pleasant in the vicinity of the sea, and in the lower valleys, although the higher mountains reach to altitudes where winter always reigns. The vine and olive are much cultivated in the more favoured localities; tobacco, oranges, lemons, and figs are produced; and much land is devoted to the cultivation of herbs and flowers for the preparation of essences and perfumes. Grasse is particularly famous for the manufacture of perfumery. The silkworm is reared, and honey is largely produced and exported. There are some mineral springs. The tunny, anchovy, and sardine fisheries are important. The capital is Nice (q.v.), and the other principal towns are Antibes, Villefranche, Cannes, Grasse, and Menton or Mentone. The area is 1482 sq. m.; pop. (1886) 238,057; (1891) 258,571.