The Orceyrette lake on snowshoes

The Bois des Ayes is home to a number of remarkable habitats, including a cembra forest with trees between 400 and 600 years old. Including the Biological Reserve, this Natura 2000 site plays an important role in bird protection.The currently known birdlife comprises 87 species, including 76 species that use the site during the nesting period. The site is of particular interest to the Eurasian pygmy owl, as well as the Tengmalm's owl and the black grouse. There are also species that nest outside the perimeter but visit the site to feed, particularly during the breeding season: the golden eagle, the short-toed eagle, and the honey buzzard. Two remarkable entities are listed: - A group of Swiss stone pine and larch forests and pure Swiss stone pine forests (among the most beautiful in the French Alps). In the lower part of the forest, Swiss stone pine or Swiss stone pine mixes with larch, while at higher altitudes, Swiss stone pine becomes increasingly abundant, forming a pure Swiss stone pine forest above 2,100 meters. Some Swiss stone pines can reach 600 years of age and often have distinctive candelabra shapes. - A supra-forest zone in the southeastern half, peaking at 2,779 meters. This area includes a diverse mix of alpine heaths and grasslands, scree slopes, and rocky ridges. The whole area constitutes a high-quality mid- and high-mountain landscape, characteristic of the southwestern intra-Alpine massifs (Mediterranean-type mountain climate, with relative summer dryness). Sources: inpn.mnhn.fr/docs/natura2000/fsdpdf/FR9312021

Located in the heart of the Ayes valley, this wall is a major site in the Briançonnais region. With demanding 25 to 30-meter routes, ranging from 5a to 7c+, this site offers fairly technical climbing with beautiful vertical slabs, overhangs and dips.This south-west-facing site allows you to climb in the cool of the morning, and enjoy the sun from early afternoon in a remarkably well-preserved environment. - Sector 1A: 6 new vertical routes from 6b to 7A, 20m long, with a few switchbacks and finger holds. Sector 1B left: 24 routes of around 30m from 4 to 8A - Sector 2 - center: 7 routes from 6b to 7b - Sector 3 - right: ideal for beginners, from 2b to 5c. Exposure: South / South-West Recommended period: May to October Altitude: 1600 m Approach walk: 5 minutes Access: Join the Villard Saint Pancrace commune, then follow the signs for Les Ayes. des Ayes: this takes you to the heights of the village to reach the edge of the forest. The trail (partly asphalted) climbs into the Villard woods. Keep following the signs for Les Ayes, until you reach the imposing tower overlooking the Orceyrette torrent. Ref topo : Topo d'escalade Briançon Climbs , Yann, Martine, Jonathan et JJ. Rolland - Éditions du Fournel