Fauna and flora at Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon:
a natural treasure trove
Fauna and flora have found the perfect setting in which to flourish. During your stay, discover this natural heritage and marvel at our mountain fauna and colourful local flora.
Fauna and flora: where to learn more?
The Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon area lies at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park. This is a "concentrate" of the French Alps, thanks to its diversity, altitude variations and geographical position, which makes it a climatic and biogeographical crossroads .
The park has three sites in the Briançonnais area:
the Maison du Parc in Briançon, in the Cité Vauban ;
the visitor center in the unspoilt hamlet of Le Casset;
the Col du Lautaret visitor center, open from mid-June to mid-September, where you'll also find the fabulous Jardin du Lautaret, one of Europe's finest alpine gardens.
Push open the door, visit the exhibitions, take part in an animation or a film screening: the experience is unique and so rich
The guide offices and independent mountain guides take you along the most beautiful paths and help you discover the secrets of the valley.
This is your chance to learn about the flora and fauna, and to discover the mountains in a different way. Without these professionals, you're bound to miss out on some real treasure. List of mountain professionals
Free documentation, film screenings, postcards, books, maps and topo-guides, textiles and children's items.
Ecrins National Park reception, information, store.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions on the heritage of the Park and the...
The Lautaret garden is one of the most beautiful alpine gardens in Europe. Come and take a trip around the world, and discover a new...
The Ecrins National Park visitor center at the Col du Lautaret offers information, a store, exhibitions and events in summer.
Wildlife: what are the animals in the valley?
Thanks to its variety of landscapes, altitudes and climate, Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon is home to many species of animal. Here's an overview of some of the finest specimens to be found in our region.
In the sky
Let's look up and start with the sky: can you spot majestic birds of prey like the golden eagle and the vulture ? Or the bearded vulture, back in our valley after almost disappearing from the Alpine arc?
It's always a magical sight to watch these great birds circling so high up in the blue skies of the Southern Alps.
Closer to the cliffs, discover yellow-billed choughs, eagle owls and swifts.
In the heart of the forests of the Serre Chevalier valley, other species chirp happily, among them the little owl and speckled nutcracker.
More information on the species observed in the Parc National des Écrins
Think of mountain animals. What comes to mind? The marmot, of course, a lovable little rodent that peeks out of its burrow, plays in the sun with its fellows... or engages in fierce combat. For, beneath its cuddly exterior, the marmot is a warrior.
The elegant chamois and the powerful ibex are two of our mountains' most emblematic animals, and watching them is a feast for the eyes. Look out for the adorable and curious ermine, and the rock ptarmigan, which blends in so well with the landscape.
Have you seen the fox crossing the forest with its magnificent red coat? Keep your eyes peeled, as the fox cubs may not be far behind.
As for the wolf, who populates our imaginations, he has once again taken over several areas of the Hautes-Alpes, including the Serre Chevalier valley. It's important to remember that the wolf doesn't attack humans - it's afraid of them.
You may have seen the black grouse breeding grounds at altitude, which are heavily impacted by human activity. Its spring courtship displays are famous.
The Parc National des Écrins is one of France's eleven national parks.
To find out more about all the species of fauna observed in the National Park, go to
In the water
The Serre Chevalier valley is also known as the Guisane valley, after the river that runs through it. It flows into the Durance at Briançon. Join the banks, enjoy the freshness and take the time to observe the fish: trout, Arctic char and brook salmon.
Each species plays a decisive role in the ecosystem and contributes to the resilience of biodiversity.
Flora: what are the valley's plant species?
Given the wealth of flora in Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon, it's impossible to draw up an exhaustive list. The species, some of which are endemic, are numerous and vary according to altitude and orientation: adret (south-facing slope) and ubac (north-facing slope).
There are several different vegetation levels in our valley:
the hilly zone, home to deciduous trees ;
the montane level, composed of mixed forests;
the subalpine level, where conifers are at home;
the alpine zone, with its magnificent lawns;
the nival zone, home to mosses and lichens.
Each level has its own specific flora and flowers, each more colorful than the last. They are a feast for the eyes, and in themselves justify a visit to the mountain.
Let's play with the letters of the alphabet! Which flowers in our mountains have names beginning with "a"? You'll probably think of yarrow, columbine or androsace. It's possible to continue in this way with the other 25 letters of the alphabet, or almost all of them: now it's your turn!
Other precious flowers emblematic of our mountains include gentians, edelweiss, saxifrages, rhododendrons, pulsatilla, lilies...
Want to find out more about the flora of our valley? Just follow the guide.
Le Jardin Alpin du Lautaret
The Jardin Alpin du Lautaret is one of Europe's most beautiful alpine gardens. Come and take a trip around the world, and discover a new continent with every step!
More than 2,000 species of plants from the world's mountains, in a maze of small paths and reconstructed environments.
From 05/06 to 05/09, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The new "Discovery and Science" interpretation area in the Alpe gallery will also be open to visitors, and admission is included in the Garden ticket.
Guided tours daily at 10.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4 pm.
Ecrins National Park
The Ecrins National Park is one of France's eleven national parks, exceptional for its biological wealth, scenic quality, cultural interest and historically preserved character.
Herd protection dogs - LES PATOUS
When you come across herd protection dogs in the mountains, it's essential to adopt the right reflexes to ensure your safety and that of the animals.
These dogs, often called "Patous", are responsible for protecting herds from predators such as wolves.
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