Getting to La pierre Fendue (The Split Stone) from Lintre

5 points of interest

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  Fauna

  A mountain meant to be shared: Natura 2000 protected area

  This area of the Aravis massif is designated as a wildlife park and a Natura 2000 protected area under the Birds Directive on the conservation of wild birds. The aim of Natura 2000 protected area is to harmoniously blend in human activities and the need for protection of biodiversity: this site is home to iconic species such as the Rock Partridge, the Black Grouse, the Rock Ptarmigan and the Bearded Vulture. For more details: https://inpn.mnhn.fr/docs/natura2000/fsdpdf/FR8212023.pdf Borne-Aravis massif only has a Natura 2000 protective status, which is quite unusual when compared to other northern French Alpine massifs. Other massifs usually have their own regulations (nature reserve, nature park or geopark) to protect these unique areas and biodiversity that thrives there. Nature is our common home, it is a living space for biodiversity, as well as a working space. There are a lot of people sharing it and every environmentally conscious action counts, no matter how small. Spread the word!

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  Fauna

  Faune

  The Bearded Vulture is very sensitive to disturbance throughout its breeding cycle. In the Alps, the Bearded Vulture population is still growing following the reintroductions that began in 1987 but the number of couples present is still low. The Bearded Vulture's High Sensitivity Zones (ZSM - Zone de Sensibilité Majeure) are designated in close collaboration with local actors. Hang-gliding and climbing activities are prohibited during the sensitive period (from 1/11 to 31/08).

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  Geology

  Legend of the Split Stone

  An unusual boulder that has fallen and split, right in the middle of the mountain pastures at an altitude of 1380 m in the Aravis massif. It is situated at the foot of the Tête du Gréppon (Gréppon peak) and the Cascade des Fours (Fours waterfall), enjoying a 360° panoramic view of the 3 massifs (Fiz, Aravis and Mont-Blanc). The boulder is said to have contained a vein of gold, which explains why people tried to split it in two! (reference: Pierre Millon Alpes Magazine 1998)

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  Geology

  Glacial cirque and its toponymy

  The Aravis massif reaches its peak at Pointe Percée (2750 m) just above us. It is flanked by the tête de Gréppon (2033 m) on the right, and the Quatre Têtes (2364 m) on the left overlooking the Arve valley. Between these majestic peaks, glacial cirques have formed as a result of a combination of glacial and Earth movements in karst, the term ‘karst’ referring to a series of subterranean geological and hydrological processes in limestone soils. Over the years, water runs off into the soil and carves out classic mountain landscapes. The glacial erosion process is characterised by the freezing and thawing of the ice, which tears away the rock and creates hollows. The combined action of glacial erosion, gravity and the karst relief form the glacial cirques, through which the Cœur stream flows.

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  Fauna

  Rock partridge

  To reduce the risk of mountain birds colliding with overhead cables, it is essential to increase their visibility. As part of the Birdski project, Asters-CEN74 and other partners are proposing several high visibility kits that can be adapted to each type of equipment. You can see them here. This project is contributing to greater awareness of the presence of mountain birds in ski areas in order to limit the mortality of these species (Black Grouse, Bearded Vulture, etc.) and improve ecological interconnectivity. If you heard a particularly captivating birdsong during your hikes and liked it, you can download the Birdnet app on your smartphone that can help you identify the performing bird!