Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Vallon de Bérard

The Vallon de Bérard nature reserve extends over the northern slope of the Aiguilles Rouges range, on the right bank of the Eau de Bérard torrent. It culminates at 2965 m at the Aiguille du Belvédère, and its lowest point is at 1700 m in the valley of Bérard. Most of the territory covers the alpine and nival stages, and is marked by the presence of small relict glaciers.
The valley of Bérard is a former glacial cirque which still shelters four hanging glaciers whose moraines feed the slope formations, scree and landslides which line the slope and the former glacial plateau with blocks and alluvium. On these crystalline blocks and scree a diversified flora develops.
Twenty rare or protected species have been identified, six of which are protected in France. The natural forest in balance with the soil, the climate and with all its components is sometimes decimated by avalanches. Whether it is spruce, larch or cembraie, it is then replaced by vast bushes of rhododendron, surmounted by landines, then by alpine lawns. The green alder colonizes the avalanche corridors.
The fauna is typical of high mountain areas, with emblematic species such as the ibex, the chamois, the black grouse, the golden eagle or the tichodrome. Finally, the Col de Bérard is an important migration corridor.

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