Skip to main content

Mountain Rescue in France

featured in Health & Emergency Guide Updated

Gendarme en Montagne are the official and specialised unit of the French Police. Known as the either the PGM - Peloton de Gendarmerie de Montagne, or in higher mountain ranges they are the PGHM - Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne.

How the system works

Their job is to ensure the safety of the mountain area and the safety of those who are in it.

For example searching for people who have disappeared, are lost or possibly presumed dead in the mountains. Conducting investigations into the circumstances of a mountain accident especially if there has been injury or when professionals are challenged. Making sure the laws and regulations relating to the mountain are observed and respected.

They will work in conjunction with other local services to ensure a fast response and the best outcomes.

The members of the gendarmerie are highly trained and must keep up an excellent level of technical ability and the physical condition appropriate for safety and rescue in the mountains.

Paying for treatment

There are still some discrepancies and some debate over the cost of mountain rescue and who should pay the bill, as the higher mountain areas are covered by the National Government and the ski resorts are assumed to be the responsibility of the local commune.

In any case, it is always advisable to ensure you have adequate insurance to cover your holiday and sporting activity in the mountains, whether it is skiing, climbing, biking or another activity. You will often have to pay for additional coverage for mountain sports and helicopter rescue so make sure you check this before you go on holiday!

Who to call & when

European emergency services number: 112

News

  • Lou Boutchin Villa, Nice swimming pool

    Great digs for groups in Nice

  • Wedding at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

    Unique wedding venues in Nice

  • Escape to Nice this winter 2018/19

    Escape to Nice this winter

  • Brunch at Deli Bo in nice

    Top brunch and breakfast spots in Nice

  • Nice's top traditional restaurants 2019

    Nice's top traditional restaurants

  • Top 5 villages to visit from Antibes in 2018

    Top villages to visit from Nice

Events

  • What's On in Nice July 2018

    Nuits du Sud festival, Vence

  • About Main Events in

    Jazz à Juan Festival

  • Villeneuve-Loubet Night Market, Villeneuve Loubet

    Villeneuve-Loubet night market

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • Nocturnes d'Art (Evening Art Performances), Biot

    Nocturnes d'Art (evening art performances), Biot

  • chateuaa lit up during jazz au chateau in cagnes sur mer

    Jazz au Château, Cagnes sur Mer