The Nature Reserve: A Sensitive Natural Gem
A true haven and sanctuary for nature, two-thirds of the Les Contamines-Montjoie area is designated as a nature reserve.
Established in 1979, the Les Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve is the highest nature reserve in France and the only protected area of its kind in the Mont Blanc massif. It is managed by the Haute-Savoie Conservatory of Natural Areas (Asters-CEN74).
Covering two-thirds of the municipality of Les Contamines-Montjoie, the reserve spans 5,500 hectares, stretching from the village at an altitude of 1,100 metres to the North Aiguille of Tré-la-Tête, which rises to 3,892 metres.
Across these 2,800 metres of elevation, a remarkable range of landscapes awaits discovery and is sure to leave lasting memories. From glaciers and forests to alpine meadows and peat bogs, the full richness of mountain nature unfolds before visitors’ eyes.
The exceptional panoramas are not the only memories visitors will take home. Those who are curious, observant and patient may spot more than 270 recorded animal species, including the characteristic wildlife of the Alps. Chamois, ibex and marmots are among the animals that can be encountered along the reserve’s 135 kilometres of trails. And it is not just the wildlife that delights visitors: the local flora is equally remarkable, with no fewer than 660 plant species, more than 30 of which are rare and/or protected in Les Contamines.
Every year, more than 100,000 people travel through this iconic natural area. It is therefore essential to remember that these natural habitats are fragile and that wildlife is sensitive to disturbance.
The Les Contamines Nature Reserve carries out numerous trail restoration and native species reseeding initiatives to protect its biodiversity and maintain the balance of its ecosystems.
Discover the reserve’s regulations in the brochure below:
A New International Award: The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, Recognising Outstanding Nature Conservation
In 2020, Asters-CEN74, the Haute-Savoie Conservatory of Natural Areas, submitted an application for the Les Contamines-Montjoie National Nature Reserve to receive the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas label, alongside other mountain nature reserves in Haute-Savoie.
This international label aims to recognise and highlight the best-managed protected areas that are effectively integrated into their surrounding territories. The two applications were assessed against 17 criteria based on four key pillars: good governance, sound design and planning, effective management, and successful conservation outcomes.
Following a lengthy assessment process, the application for Les Contamines-Montjoie was approved by the IUCN’s international committee. The reserve thus joined the 22 sites in France and 59 sites worldwide recognised by the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, positioning France as a leading country in this field.
This recognition celebrates the strong commitment of the local area and its stakeholders. This achievement would not have been possible without the involvement of the Haute-Savoie Department, the French State, local businesses and professionals, and many other partners working alongside Asters-CEN74, the organisation responsible for managing Haute-Savoie’s nature reserves.
Vulnerable Wildlife That Requires Close Monitoring
The Les Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve is home to numerous wild animal species. During winter, to encourage coexistence between human activities and wildlife, Asters-CEN74, the Haute-Savoie Conservatory of Natural Areas, carries out a range of initiatives.
One of these initiatives involves informing and raising awareness among winter sports enthusiasts about responsible behaviour in the mountains. For example, visitors are encouraged to avoid creating multiple tracks through wooded areas where species such as black grouse and wild ungulates seek shelter during winter.
Everyone can play a part in giving wildlife a better chance of survival, particularly during this time of year when animals are at their most vulnerable! In nature reserves and beyond, many people are working to encourage more responsible practices. This is a key objective of the Sensitive Natural Areas regional partnership programme led by the Pays du Mont-Blanc Community of Municipalities and supported by the Haute-Savoie Department.
Each winter, several protected zones are established for black grouse and wild ungulates to prevent disturbance. Discover their locations on the map below:
The Tré-la-Tête Glacier: Exploring a Living Giant
Thanks to its distinctive characteristics, the Les Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve is a privileged site for scientific research into Alpine species and habitats.
Glacial environments account for 20% of the nature reserve. The Tré-la-Tête Glacier alone, approximately 8 kilometres long, covers 10 square kilometres of the reserve. It is the third-largest glacier in France. Changes in its length have been monitored for more than 100 years through a collaboration between Asters-CEN74, which manages the nature reserve, and EDF.
Since 2014, the glacier has been subject to an annual mass balance assessment, using highly precise measurements. Thanks to these studies, Tré-la-Tête has become one of the 166 reference glaciers worldwide contributing data to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (www.wgms.ch).
Against the deeply concerning backdrop of global warming and its harmful effects on glaciers, Tré-la-Tête lost 3.2 metres in thickness across its entire surface between 2014 and 2016. The resulting meltwater was equivalent to more than 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
As indicators of climate change, glaciers are vital natural systems that influence the global climate, sea levels, freshwater resources, natural hazards and biodiversity.
In this context, monitoring and quantifying glacier loss, and limiting the disappearance of glaciers worldwide, are major priorities for scientists and protected-area managers.
The Espace Nature au Sommet and the Future Visitor Centre at Notre-Dame de la Gorge
To discover everything about the Les Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve, visit the Espace Nature au Sommet, where the story of the reserve and its inhabitants comes to life. Set off to explore the local wildlife and plant life!
With regular screenings, exhibitions, talks and activities, the Espace Nature au Sommet is a place for discussion and understanding of the environment around us. It also provides information and resources to raise awareness and protect our fragile natural areas.
From summer 2023, this centre was due to be complemented by a new Nature Reserve visitor centre at Notre-Dame de la Gorge, right at the entrance to the reserve!
The new centre will feature three wooden domes where visitors of all ages can explore, touch, observe and learn through a creative exhibition experience designed for everyone.