1. From Plan du Lac to the Alpe du Pin refuge

6 points of interest

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  Flora

  Riparian woodland

  Riparian woodland is woodland bordering rivers and streams. This is a highly specific environment, requiring vegetation to adapt to flooding, in particular, and so we can often see fast-growing trees such as willows and alders, and bushes such as the sea buckthorn.
  It plays a major role in maintaining biodiversity acts as a filter improving water quality. Riparian woodland has been transformed by mankind's redirecting rivers, totally transforming it or even causing it to disappear altogether. Mountain streams and rivers are among the last places where it can be found intact.

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  Water

  Whitewater sports

  The Vénéon is an internationally famous river for whitewater sports. Canoeing with a double paddle gives visitors a chance to take on the turbulent waters and keep their heads out of the water using the Eskimo roll technique. Rafting, on a large, inflatable vessel, is very popular with beginners in the company of a guide, and is a big source of thrills and excitement. Here you can also see hot-dogs, a kind of bi-place canoe, and hydrospeeds, a sort of aquatic board sport where you descend the river on your front. Every year, the Vénéon Derby, one of the longest extreme canoeing races in the world, takes place here !  

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  Water

  Hydroelectric station

  On the right bank of the River Vénéon is a small hydroelectric station. It is called a  run-of-the-river  station, which means it has no capacity to store water. Water is channelled along a pipe to drive the turbine, which is connected to a generator producing the electricity. There is no dam, so production varies according to the amount of water immediately available, with the maximum amount reached, of course, in spring, when the snow melts.

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  Flora

  Rhododendron ferrugineum

  The rhododendron ferrugineum is a member of the family Ericaceae, like the cranberry, lingonberry and bilberry. It is a bushy shrub, 30 to 100 cm tall and common at altitudes of between 1,400 and 2,500 metres. It retains its leaves all year round. Its leaves are tough, elongated (3 to 5 cm long and 1 to 2 cm across), dark green and glossy on the upper side and yellowish changing to rust on the underside, hence its name "ferrugineum". This particular colouring is due to the presence of russet coloured glands.
  In late June to early July, the rhododendron plants are covered in clusters of pink scented flowers which are very attractive to pollinators: it is a bee forage plant.
  Just one or two rhododendrons can result in the colonisation of an entire slope.

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  Pastoralism

  Animal husbandry in the valley

  In summer, some 300 sheep graze the valleys of L'Alpe du Pain and La Mariande.
  They are herded up the mountain in early June and brought back down again, lovely and plump, in early October. For four months they are free to roam the high mountain pastures, happily feeding on the rich alpine grass. From time to time, their young owners go up the mountain to tend them. At the end of the season, some linger and it is not unusual to come across them even in late October. They will be gathered by the farmers before the onset of winter.

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  Hut

  Alpe du Pin Refuge

  The Alpe du Pin Refuge is little known and discreet, and stands on the mountain pasture of the same name. It belongs to the Jarrets d'Acier association. It has everything needed to delight the heart, the soul and the calf muscles! Built in 1947, it has preserved its humble origins down the years by making reasonable adaptations to the needs of contemporary comfort. The Alpe du Pin Refuge is located at an altitude of 1,805 m, at the foot of the Tête de Lauranoure (3,325 m), the view of which from St-Christophe leaves no one indifferent. With a capacity of 20 places in a single dormitory, the visitor soon feels at home, and the layout of the refuge helps promote meetings and conversation. You can count on a simple, warm and friendly welcome from the refuge keepers.