Welcome to Les Contamines-Montjoie's Nature Reserve!

This protected area of 5,500 ha, located within the commune of Les Contamines-Montjoie, is a haven of calm and tranquillity. Classified as a “nature preserve” to protect it from development, which all too often ravages the countryside and natural environments, this region constitutes a rare jewel where you can enjoy nature in its protected state.
Take the time to enjoy and savour its many different facets (lakes, mountain pastures, cliffs, glaciers). Appreciate its varied fauna and flora, where chamois, ibex and black grouse frolic among the gentians and rhododendrons.
These natural environments are fragile, and animal life is easily disturbed, so please help us by being very careful not to interfere with the natural equilibrium.
Help preserve nature for our own and future generations
Nature preserves are part of the very rare areas of Haute-Savoie where nature has remained “unspoiled” by human contact. So enjoy them! Savour the silence, gather your impressions and be curious… but don’t forget that the regulations are there to remind us that nature is highly sensitive and must be respected!

Dogs must be kept on a leash to ensure that wildlife is not disturbed,

Do not pick flowers or pick up fossils, so that they may continue to be admired by all,

Carry out your waste so that the area will remain unlittered and clean,

Do not camp or build camp fires, so as not to leave any trace of your passage (mountain bivouac sites are available for your use at La Rollaz and La Balme).

Do not make unnecessary noise or engage in any activity that could disturb others, to ensure a peaceful environment for animal life and other users; flying over the area (via paragliding, deltaplane, helicopter etc.) is prohibited at an altitude of less than 300 m; motor vehicles are prohibited except for traditional activities (mountain pastures, forests, refuges) and chalet owners

In winter, wildlife is particularly vulnerable to disturbances, which can deplete its energy and compromise its survival. There are also very real dangers for hikers! It is recommended to stay on marked paths and to keep abreast of weather and snow conditions, or to venture out only in the company of professional mountain guides.

Management of protected areas

The Contamines-Montjoie nature preserve is one of nine such preserves found in Haute-Savoie. The management of all of these preserves has been entrusted by the State to the ASTERS association. A “management plan” has been set up with the principal objectives of preserving and even improving the diversity of the region’s natural environments.

Contact
ASTERS, manager of the nature preserves of Haute-Savoie
PAE de Pré Mairy 84 route du Viéran - 74370 Pringy
Tel.:+ 33 (0)4 50 66 47 51
Email: asters@asters.asso.fr
www.asters.asso.fr