Tips and recommendations
In autumn, Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon is decked out in shimmering colors and offers a new adventure for nature lovers: mushroom picking.
Whether you're a novice or an expert, exploring the undergrowth and glades in search of these forest treasures is a soothing and exciting activity.
However, knowing the right places and adopting the right practices are essential to a successful experience.
The best mushroom spots in the valley*
Serre Chevalier and the surrounding area abound in forests with soils conducive to the growth of many species of mushroom. Here are just a few of the places where you'll find the best mushrooms
- Larch forests: these forests, typical of the region, are ideal habitats for porcini and boletes. You'll find them in the heights of Chantemerle and around Monêtier-les-Bains.
- The wooded slopes towards the Col du Lautaret: the shady, damp areas leading down from the pass are a haven for chanterelle mushrooms and hog's feet.
- The Bois des Ayes: near Briançon, this wood is one of the most prized by local enthusiasts. Its diversity of species is impressive, and you may well find chanterelles in abundance.
Pine and fir forests: located around the hamlet of Les Guibertes, these forests offer an ideal environment for pine mushrooms, such as the delicious milk caps.
>> Non-exhaustive 'Coins à champi' 🍄 😏
Mushroom species to target
In this alpine region, certain species are particularly present and prized by mushroom pickers:
- Bordeaux boletus (Boletus edulis): a king of the undergrowth, often found in deciduous and coniferous forests, especially under larches.
- Girolle (Cantharellus cibarius): a gourmet favorite, recognizable by its beautiful yellow color and unique fragrance. It thrives in mixed forests and damp soils.
- Sheep's-foot (Hydnum repandum): with its notched cap and firm texture, it's easy to spot under beech and oak trees.
- Delicious milkcap (Lactarius deliciosus): this orange-colored mushroom often hides under pine trees and is famous for its flesh, which releases a milky liquid when cut.
Recommendations for safe mushroom picking
While mushroom picking is an exciting activity, it is not without its risks. Here are a few tips to ensure that your outing goes as smoothly as possible:
- Learn to recognize edible and poisonous species: some mushrooms, although harmless at first glance, can turn out to be poisonous or even fatal. If you're not sure about a species, don't pick it. It's always advisable to take a mushroom guide with you, or to be accompanied by an expert.
- Respect local regulations: Some areas may be protected and picking is strictly regulated. Check with your local tourist office or forest ranger to find out the specific rules for each area.
- Pick in moderation: Pick only what you need, and leave enough mushrooms for nature to regenerate. Excessive picking can disrupt the local ecosystem.
- Use a wicker basket: This allows the spores to disperse as you walk, helping to preserve the species.
- Avoid areas close to roads or treated fields: Mushrooms tend to absorb pollutants and chemicals from their environment. So it's best to pick them in areas far from sources of pollution.
Some species of mushroom are particularly dangerous.
Among the most toxic you may encounter in the valley are :
- Amanite tue-mouche: highly toxic and psychotropic 😵💫😵💫😵💫, with its red cap adorned with white spots.
According to one theory, this mushroom was once cut into strips and put into sweet milk to attract flies and poison them.
- Amanita phalloides: responsible for the majority of serious poisonings, it resembles certain edible species, which makes it all the more dangerous.
Cortinaria: a brown mushroom, quite common, but which can cause irreversible kidney damage.
If in doubt about the edibility of your harvest, don't hesitate to have it checked by a pharmacist or expert mycologist. A simple mistake can have serious consequences.
Serre Chevalier Vallée offers a magnificent setting for enjoying nature and its treasures to the full. After a beautiful morning of picking, why not extend the experience by enjoying your harvest over a meal with family or friends?
So get your boots on, grab your basket and head out to discover the mushrooms! The generous nature of the valley is just waiting for you.
Happy picking and take care of nature! 🌿 🍄🟫