Wildlife, flowers, pastures: hiking with respect for the mountains

The mountains are not a backdrop: they are home to wildlife, a workplace for shepherds, a fragile environment where a trampled flower takes years to grow back. Hiking also means knowing how to tread lightly.

Watching wildlife without disturbing it

Chamois, ibex and black grouse live on very tight energy reserves, especially in winter. Being startled by a hiker can cost them dearly. Stay on the paths, speak softly and watch from afar, with binoculars.

In the alpine pastures

• Close gates behind you.
• Give herds a wide berth, without running or shouting.
• If you meet a livestock guardian dog (patou): stop, stay calm, don’t stare at it and let it identify you before walking on around it.

Flowers are for photographing

Edelweiss, lady’s slipper orchid, martagon lily: many flowers in our ranges are protected. Picking them is forbidden and, above all, pointless: they wilt before you reach the car. A photo lasts much longer.