In the heart of the 19th century, a pioneering engineer changed the course of history. Under the bold direction of Guillaume-Henri Dufour, the first 1:100,000 topographic map of Switzerland was produced. The result of a remarkable piece of work, it revolutionized the world of science, the army and administration. Here's the story of the Dufour map, the mother of the Confederation's maps. Guillaume-Henri Dufour: Creator of Switzerland's first topographical map It all began when Guillaume-Henri Dufour was appointed quartermaster general of the Swiss army in 1832. For several years already, Switzerland had been planning to complete the topographical coverage of ...

From time immemorial, men have climbed mountains, fascinated by the luminous brilliance of crystals. Treasure hunters exploring the heights. Mineral lovers and thrill-seekers. Here's the story of the crystal makers at summit . Crystals bloom in the Mont Blanc massif It all began 25 million years ago. The Earth shakes, the abyss boils. On the borders of Africa and Europe, tectonic plates clashed and tore each other apart. During their merciless struggle, cavities form in the heart of the rock. Water seeps into them, happy to escape for a while from the fury ...

Highlighted by Romantic writers, the mountains of the 19th century became the stage for all kinds of exploits. At the time of its conquest, it shone with a thousand lights, inspiring poets and mountaineers alike. Until the day when man, replete with his bravery, realizes that summits leads to the rest he had so long hoped for. Perhaps too late, as time will tell. In this third and final instalment, I take you on a journey of discovery of the Alps in literature from the golden age of mountaineering to today's troubled times. Climbing stories: mountaineers conquer literature In the golden age of ...