THEMED PATH: The Mountain Hut path

The mountains are areas naturally used for agriculture. These agricultural practices have been carefully thought-out in order to protect the environment. Agri-environmental measures have been introduced. They are designed to encourage and remunerate volunteer users of mountain spaces in their actions to protect natural environments. These measures prevent over-grazing, the invasion of bushes and shrubs and the proliferation of invasive plants. 

Straw can be used as an insulation material. In fact, it can even be used in its natural state to insulate walls. Straw is available everywhere, it is an abundant resource and its production creates no pollution so it makes a very eco-friendly material. In addition, it offers excellent sound insulation.

Adoux are water courses in which fish can rest, breed and grow within a remarkable ecological reservoir. An ecological reservoir is an area which contains all the natural habitats necessary for the life cycle of a species: from reproduction to feeding and growth. So it could be said that an ecological reservoir assures the survival of the species and fulfils the function of a breeding ground. 

This former school has acquired a new function: that of giving new life to obsolete furniture and objects. The Resourcerie reclamation and repurposing centre makes new objects out of other, unwanted items. No new raw materials are used in their production, thereby helping to prevent the accumulation of waste. Eco-friendly and sustainable, the reclamation and repurposing centre reduces waste and creates employment. 

The school in Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières is built out of materials that are safe and sustainable. The building is of bioclimatic design, that is to say, the architecture is adapted to the characteristics of the climate of the local area in which it is sited, in order to obtain the most natural ambient comfort possible. The environment provides power and resources through, for example, the capture of solar energy, the use of air circulation techniques, rainwater harvesting etc.

On this path, you will pass by some eco-constructed cabins. One of them is made from larch, a wood that is naturally resistant to bad weather and insects and needs no previous treatment. The other is constructed according to the “post-beam” principle, which is reminiscent of half-timbered construction. This is characterised by an exposed supporting framework. The beams support the roof, and these beams are in turn are supported by the posts. 

The symbol of the Southern Alps, this softwood tree loses its leaves in winter, and is swathed with gold and lights up the mountains in autumn. The larch forests are maintained by the grazing of flocks. Without them, other trees like the fir or other pine trees could grow, creating a different kind of forest. A pioneer species, the larch establishes freely in light conditions. Its solid rot-proof wood has always been used in the construction of houses.