segment of the Western Alps extending in an arc along the French–Italian border for 120 mi (190 km) between two passes, the Colle di Cadibona (east) and Colle della Maddalena (west). Punta Argentera (10,817 ft 【3,297 m】) is the highest point. The mountains are bounded east by the Appennino Ligure (Ligurian Apennines) and north by the Cottian Alps, and they include the Alpi Liguri (Ligurian Alps, between Colle di Cadibona and Colle di Tenda) and the Provence Alps (lower western spurs spreading toward the Rhône River Valley).