Les Moises peatland
Description
It all started at the end of the last Ice Age about 10000 years ago. The glaciers covering the Alps melted and removed themselves to the peaks of the highest mountains.
When the glacier in the Vallée Verte melted, it left a large layer of clay on the Col and a marsh appeared. The marsh gradually became covered in vegetation and, after thousands of years, became a peatland. It feels like you’ve travelled to Northern Europe close to the Arctic Circle.
Over time, peat moss (common to peatlands) accumulated to a 4m thickness. Plants and animals had to adapt to this plant raft that acts like a huge sponge. This adaptation makes peatlands unique and highly important for biodiversity and water regulation. You shouldn’t loiter here.
Technical information
74420 Habère-Poche
Altimetric profile
Additional information
Tips
Les Moises peatland is now protected. You'll find an information panel about this exceptional site on the platform built around the peatland. If you visit this point on a regular basis throughout the year you can watch orchids, buckbean and cottongrass blossom; you'll also see a viviparous lizard and pretty butterfly, common to the peatland. And if you're very patient on some mornings you may hear the flute-like song of Hydris* as she gathers beads from sundews.
*Hydris is one of the four fairies on the "Secrets de fées" footpaths in Les Moises.
Contact
Phone : 04 50 39 54 46
Email : info@alpesduleman.com
Open period
All year round: open daily.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme des Alpes du Léman - 22/10/2023
www.alpesduleman.com
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Price(s)
Free of charge
Data author
