Sentier des Vignes - Grapevine path

This plateau features glaciofluvial terraces. They form a tabular promontory, bounded by vertical walls formed in the cemented glaciofluvial materials, at the foot of which the Le Rabioux mountain stream flows on one side and the Durance on the other. This glacial rock is a typical formation of the Haute-Durance valley, similar to the Roc d'Embrun or that of Mont-Dauphine. Its formation dates back to one of the last ice ages (100,000 years ago). At that time, the Durance glacier occupied the entire valley. Today, on its sedimentary rock base, the Roc is covered by vegetation which is highly characteristic of steppe grasslands.

At one time, the lower reaches of the southern slopes of Châteauroux-les-Alpes were covered with grapevines. Wine production was an important source of income for the villagers. Wine production collapsed in the late nineteenth century due to insect pests and the rural exodus. Today, although there are few wine growing areas, the landscape through which this trail runs reveals numerous traces of this activity, with terraces still visible. 

The retaining walls are made from dry stone. In Provence, they are called restanques. They were built in sloping areas to create crop terraces, holding back the earth. At the time, their construction enabled generations of inhabitants to make a living from their land, which was made fertile and workable. Today, a number of researchers and artisans are attempting to re-introduce this age-old technique.

A dry grassland is a habitat of low vegetation, herbaceous plants in the main. They shelter a rich and diverse range of specialist fauna and flora. For birds and some groups of insects, this habitat is a vital food resource. These grasslands are the result of past land clearing operations. Most were maintained by grazing. Which explains the importance of pastoral activity to keep it open and prevent it from becoming wooded over.

Ecological corridors Fauna and flora Ecological corridors are spaces which connect different habitats. They are a kind of access road for biodiversity. These areas provide conditions that are favourable to the movement of numerous species. These movements enable them to colonise new habitats in order to support themselves and therefore stabilise their populations. Today, these corridors are a key factor at national level for maintaining biodiversity

The wingspan of this protected bird of prey can reach 1.8 metres. It can be recognised by its white underside and its large head, which is often chocolate brown. It feeds primarily on reptiles which it hunts on derelict sites, in rocky terrain and also in the mountains up to the the alpine grassland zone. The relatively small nest is often built in a pine tree. It overwinters in Sub-Saharan Africa and only returns in late March.

Pastoralism is an extensive management technique. The aim is to take the herds to "natural" areas where they can find food. This method helps to maintain open environments, which encourages specific biodiversity. Good management of a mountain pasture must allow the resource to be "exploited" without compromising its regeneration. It has numerous benefits for the environment, animal welfare and farmers alike.

The brown trout is the king of mountain water courses. It can be found in the smallest streams right up to big rivers like the Durance. Its skin colour varies according to sex, age and habitat, but is usually glossy, silvery and dotted with orangey-red spots. It can lay between 1,000 and 2,500 eggs. This carnivore spends its time in two places: its hunting position, when it waits for the current to carry something edible towards it, and its resting position, sheltered from the current. It usually grows to around 25 to 40 cm and can live for twenty or so years.