Malrif lakes

4 points of interest

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  Elevage et pastoralisme

  Pastoralism and biodiversity

  Sheeps play a key role in maintaining the biodiversity. Indeed, the landscapes have been shaped by their presence and their needs in grazing areas and in mowing meadows. The environment has gradually evolved, the large forests have lost in land by giving way to grasslands and biodiversities. Today, without pastoralism, the areas tend to close up and lose their diversity. Careful, excessive exploitation also causes a decrease in biodiversity. A good organization of pastures requires regular monitoring and respecting the life cycle of plants.

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  Panorama

  The Guil valley

  From the slope, the view opens up to the lower valley of the Guil. To the left we see the snow-covered Roche des Clots and following on is the Sommet Bucher. At the back, the Point de la Saume and the Pic d'Escreins are also visible.

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  Patrimony and history

  The Saint Louis Chapel

  Following the donation of Louis XIV to embed Catholicism in the Queyras, several chapels were built. They are all built in the same style: the bell tower is built into a wall, the choir is to the east. They are built on an elongated ground plan, with an A-frame roof in schist.

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  Fauna

  Chamois

  In spring, the chamois leave the forest which fed and protected them during the winter. Little by little, they go in search of the first tufts of grass. The males find their solitary life they will lead until the rutting (early November). As for the females, they isolate themselves in June to give birth. They prefer ridges and steep and difficult places of access where predators will have a hard time getting to. After a week, the female and the kid join the herd.