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…
130
Routes
4.5
(366)
Average rating
7247
People visited
1.7
(3)
26
riders
17.8km
02:27
870m
870m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
26
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)
21
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)
15
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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4.6
(23)
496
hikers
26.1km
10:56
1,660m
1,660m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.9
(27)
323
hikers
11.5km
05:18
790m
790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(24)
295
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
167
hikers
9.89km
04:59
800m
800m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.8
(23)
1,311
riders
43.5km
02:48
1,330m
1,330m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(7)
281
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
74
riders
24.7km
01:33
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
66
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(7)
232
hikers
10.8km
08:04
1,120m
1,080m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(6)
200
hikers
8.70km
05:27
680m
680m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.0
(4)
62
hikers
6.34km
03:36
500m
510m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.5
(2)
49
hikers
7.11km
04:27
780m
780m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.6
(5)
212
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
69
riders
16.4km
01:16
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
55
riders
24.0km
02:03
820m
820m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
61
riders
21.8km
02:25
840m
840m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
62
runners
9.89km
02:06
800m
800m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
129
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
49
runners
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
34
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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4.8
(8)
65
riders
52.0km
03:15
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
34
riders
26.0km
01:31
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
17.4km
01:56
940m
940m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
riders
20.4km
01:35
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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