Things to Do around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie
Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie is a national nature reserve situated in the southwestern part of the Mont-Blanc massif. As France's highest natural reserve, it features a significant altitude range, from 1,100 meters at the Bon Nant to 3,892 meters at the Aiguille de Tré-la-Tête. This diverse geography includes glaciers, extensive forests, alpine pastures, rocky outcrops, and numerous torrents and lakes, providing varied terrain suitable for several sports like mountain biking, hiking, road cycling, mountaineering, and more.
Things to Do in…
149
Routes
4.4
(464)
Average rating
9673
People visited
4.5
(35)
2,212
riders
98.0km
05:54
2,590m
2,590m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(20)
485
riders
53.1km
03:11
1,320m
1,320m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(3)
133
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
86
riders
24.7km
01:33
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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1.7
(3)
28
riders
17.8km
02:27
870m
870m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(3)
33
riders
52.4km
06:08
2,150m
2,150m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3.0
(1)
26
riders
45.3km
06:34
2,470m
2,470m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
1.0
(1)
17
riders
17.1km
02:38
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.8
(22)
480
hikers
20.1km
09:42
1,550m
1,550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(41)
368
hikers
11.4km
05:17
790m
790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(30)
559
hikers
25.6km
10:47
1,660m
1,660m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(11)
120
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(7)
279
hikers
10.8km
08:04
1,120m
1,090m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(6)
235
hikers
8.70km
05:28
680m
680m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.8
(4)
75
hikers
6.35km
03:32
500m
510m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(3)
86
hikers
6.69km
04:11
730m
730m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(1)
128
riders
27.3km
02:19
930m
930m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(3)
66
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
78
riders
22.8km
02:27
900m
900m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(4)
54
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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86
runners
4.75km
00:31
60m
60m
Easy run. Mostly paved surfaces.
84
runners
8.51km
01:25
490m
490m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
88
runners
9.82km
01:26
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
43
runners
26.6km
05:16
1,960m
1,960m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(2)
17
riders
20.2km
01:34
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
22
riders
41.7km
03:33
1,460m
1,460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5
riders
17.5km
01:56
940m
940m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(2)
12
riders
37.9km
03:19
1,250m
1,250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie is a national nature reserve situated in the Mont-Blanc massif. It is France's highest natural reserve, with an altitude range from 1,100 meters to 3,892 meters at Aiguille de Tré-la-Tête. This vast elevation difference contributes to its extreme biodiversity and varied terrain.
What outdoor activities are available in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
The reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Mountain biking, Hiking, Road cycling, Mountaineering, Jogging, and Touring cycling. There are more than 60 routes available for exploration. These activities allow visitors to experience the reserve's diverse terrain and natural features.
Are there hiking trails for all skill levels in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
The reserve features over 120 km of marked hiking trails, accommodating all levels from leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day treks. Popular routes include the Circuit of the Alpages, the Tour of Mont Joly, and the hike to the Jovet Lakes. For more options, consult the Hiking around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie guide.
What mountain biking trails are available in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie offers diverse mountain biking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult. Routes traverse alpine pastures, dense forests, and high mountain passes. The Col de la Gittaz and Bonhomme loop provide extensive views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Further details are available in the MTB Trails around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie guide.
Are there family-friendly routes in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
Yes, the reserve offers family-friendly options, particularly for hiking. Routes cater to various skill levels, making it possible for families to find suitable paths. Specific family-friendly hiking routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie guide.
What are some notable natural features in the reserve?
The reserve encompasses glaciers, such as the Tré la Tête glacier, extensive forests, and alpine pastures. It also features peat bogs, rocky outcrops, and numerous torrents and picturesque lakes, including the Jovet Lakes. These features contribute to its rich biodiversity.
What is the popularity and average rating of routes in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie on komoot?
More than 268,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie on komoot. The routes in the reserve have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Are there specific komoot guides available for Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the reserve, covering various activities. Examples include Hiking around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie, MTB Trails around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie, and Family-friendly hikes around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie.
What is the official website for Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
The official website for information regarding Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie is www.lescontamines.com/ete/decouvrir/la-station/la-reserve-naturelle/. Additional information can be found via Asters, Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Haute-Savoie at www.cen-haute-savoie.org.
What types of wildlife can be observed in the reserve?
The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including red deer, roe deer, and badgers in lower forest areas. At higher elevations, marmots, ibexes, chamois, and golden eagles are present. Over 660 plant species, including 56 unique to the Alps, also thrive within its boundaries.
Are there opportunities for road cycling in or around the reserve?
While not explicitly within the core reserve, the surrounding Val Montjoie area offers opportunities for road cycling. Historical routes and various passes provide scenic and challenging ascents for cyclists. The Road Cycling Routes around Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie guide provides route suggestions.
What is the highest point in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie?
The highest point within Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie is the summit of Aiguille de Tré-la-Tête, reaching an elevation of 3,892 meters (12,769 feet). This peak contributes to the reserve's significant altitude range.
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