Hiking - La Taure Educational Trail in the Bois des Ayes Biological Reserve
If you enjoy gaining elevation, this educational trail through the Bois des Ayes Biological Reserve is for you! A fun way to discover the secrets of this forest, with views of the surrounding peaks and Lac de l'Orceyrette.
Did you know that the Swiss Pine is found in the Bois des Ayes Biological Reserve? This reserve was created (in the 1980s) to preserve this remarkable natural heritage. Some of the pines are over 600 years old!
This forest is home to many species that find refuge in these pines: the Eurasian pygmy owl and the Tengmalm's owl. It is also an important habitat for the Black Grouse.
The trailhead for the La Taure educational trail is at Plan Peyron, at the foot of the biological reserve. This trail climbs 380 metres in elevation gain, deep in the forest. You will go from a dense larch forest to a pine grove of centuries-old Swiss Pines.
You can stop in a clearing to admire the landscape, or continue south to join a flat trail with a magnificent view over Lac de l'Orceyrette.
All along this route, you can learn from educational markers and modules about the surrounding environment.
To descend, continue towards Lac de l'Orceyrette on a trail that goes down on your right to the lake. Follow the trail along either the right or left shore to return to Plan Peyron (8.5 kilometres and 380 metres of elevation gain).
You can also retrace your steps on the same path, which will not take you past the lake but will bring you back to your starting point (7 km and 380 metres of elevation gain).
It is also possible to start from the mountain centre and walk to Plan Peyron. This will add about 500 metres of elevation gain and about 4 hours of walking round trip (please note: during high season, frequent car traffic kicks up a lot of dust; a route up and down through the larch forest will be more pleasant).
Some parts of the Natura 2000 Bois des Ayes site are protected areas with specific regulations. The law provides for fines in case of violations. The Bois des Ayes reserve aims in particular to protect the nesting of woodpeckers, nocturnal raptors, and the Black Grouse.
The site is open to all. Please respect the following recommendations:
- Stay on the marked trails
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Be discreet
- Photograph flowers and animals from the trails
- Leave rocks where they are
- Do not light fires
- Pack out your rubbish
Did you know that the Swiss Pine is found in the Bois des Ayes Biological Reserve? This reserve was created (in the 1980s) to preserve this remarkable natural heritage. Some of the pines are over 600 years old!
This forest is home to many species that find refuge in these pines: the Eurasian pygmy owl and the Tengmalm's owl. It is also an important habitat for the Black Grouse.
The trailhead for the La Taure educational trail is at Plan Peyron, at the foot of the biological reserve. This trail climbs 380 metres in elevation gain, deep in the forest. You will go from a dense larch forest to a pine grove of centuries-old Swiss Pines.
You can stop in a clearing to admire the landscape, or continue south to join a flat trail with a magnificent view over Lac de l'Orceyrette.
All along this route, you can learn from educational markers and modules about the surrounding environment.
To descend, continue towards Lac de l'Orceyrette on a trail that goes down on your right to the lake. Follow the trail along either the right or left shore to return to Plan Peyron (8.5 kilometres and 380 metres of elevation gain).
You can also retrace your steps on the same path, which will not take you past the lake but will bring you back to your starting point (7 km and 380 metres of elevation gain).
It is also possible to start from the mountain centre and walk to Plan Peyron. This will add about 500 metres of elevation gain and about 4 hours of walking round trip (please note: during high season, frequent car traffic kicks up a lot of dust; a route up and down through the larch forest will be more pleasant).
Some parts of the Natura 2000 Bois des Ayes site are protected areas with specific regulations. The law provides for fines in case of violations. The Bois des Ayes reserve aims in particular to protect the nesting of woodpeckers, nocturnal raptors, and the Black Grouse.
The site is open to all. Please respect the following recommendations:
- Stay on the marked trails
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Be discreet
- Photograph flowers and animals from the trails
- Leave rocks where they are
- Do not light fires
- Pack out your rubbish