Top 8 Natural Monuments around Les Orres

The Les Orres region offers a diverse array of natural attractions, including dramatic mountain ranges, extensive larch forests, and pristine lakes. You can discover impressive waterfalls like the Costeplane Waterfalls and Jerusalem Spring, vast cirques such as the Cirque de Morgon, and stunning viewpoints like The Balconies of the Durance. The area is also known for its high mountain passes like Col de Vars and Col des Orres, offering panoramic vistas.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Jerusalem Spring is easily accessible via a beautiful forest track, making it a pleasant discovery for all ages. Lac de Sainte-Marguerite is also ideal for family outings, offering a peaceful setting for picnicking and photography. The extensive larch forests provide pleasant walks for families.

Les Orres is a hiker's paradise. You can find trails leading to natural monuments like the Costeplane Waterfalls, which is an easy walk from Lauzet. The Cirque de Morgon offers a beautiful preserved natural site for hiking. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Les Orres guide, which includes routes like the Lac de Sainte-Marguerite loop.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to The Balconies of the Durance, which offer spectacular sights of the Durance valley. The Col des Orres provides stunning views of the Barcelonnette valley, and from Les Orres itself, you can enjoy expansive vistas of the Parpaillon and Écrins massifs, as well as the vast Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

Yes, the preserved natural sites around Les Orres are home to various wildlife. The Cirque de Morgon is a known refuge for wildlife. When hiking near the Col des Orres, you might spot chamois and mouflons. Marmots can also be seen on higher ground during hikes around Lac de Sainte-Marguerite.

Beyond the dramatic mountain ranges, you can explore intriguing natural formations like Le Creux des Souchères, which offers a mysterious allure. The Jerusalem Spring is also notable for its unique emergence between two limestone layers.

The Costeplane Waterfalls are well-known for canyoning, offering an adventurous experience. While not directly in Les Orres, the prominent Lac de Serre-Ponçon, visible from the resort, provides opportunities for canoeing and other water-based activities.

Les Orres boasts 3,000 hectares of larch forest, which are a defining characteristic of the landscape. These forests offer pleasant walks and hikes, with their lush green meadows transitioning to mineral scree in summer. The 'Wood & Heritage Discovery Trail' also winds through these forests, providing insights into the local environment.

Absolutely. The region around Les Orres is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. You can find numerous trails that pass by or offer views of natural monuments. For detailed routes, check out the MTB Trails around Les Orres and Cycling around Les Orres guides.

Visitors frequently praise the refreshing experience of the Costeplane Waterfalls and the unique discovery of the Jerusalem Spring. The panoramic views from spots like The Balconies of the Durance are highly appreciated, as is the preserved natural beauty and wildlife refuge of the Cirque de Morgon. The overall blend of imposing mountains and unspoilt nature is a major draw.

Yes, the Col de Vars, located at an elevation of 2,108 meters, is a historic passage of the Tour de France. It has been crossed 35 times since 1947, connecting the Ubaye valley with the Embrunais. It offers a rewarding climb and significant views for those interested in both nature and history.