Col de la Bailletta from le Fornet
Description
- Departure : Car park, hamlet of Fornet
- Arrival : Car park, hamlet of Fornet
- Towns crossed : VAL D'ISERE and TIGNES
Altimetric profile
Sensitive areas
Alpine ibex - winter
- Impacted practices:
- Aerial, Land, Vertical
- Sensitivity periods:
- JanFebMarDec
- Contact:
Parc national de la Vanoise - Elodie Antoine -
elodie.antoine@vanoise-parcnational.fr
04 79 06 03 15
Recommandations
Information desks
Tourist Information Office - Tignes
Maison de Tignes-le-lac BP 51, 73321 Tignes
Vanoise Information Desk - Val d'Isère
Immeuble le Thovex, Office de tourisme, 73150 Val-d'Isère
Transport
Then transport by coach to the administrative centre of Val d´Isère. Information: www.transavoie.com
Free shuttle buses serve all the hamlets of Val d´Isère, including le Fornet."
Access and parking
Parking :
More information
10 points of interest
- Architecture
The tourne
The historic Fornet is located on the left bank of the Isère which keeps it protected from avalanches and rock falls. The extension of the Fornet on the right bank, where you stand, was only allowed with the construction of this tourne (mound + ditch) against avalanches and rock falls. Also notice the absence of walls that face its slopes. In the eighteenth century, the Fornet d´Aval, between the Laisinant and the current Fornet, was completely destroyed by an avalanche. The ruins remain visible. - Flora
Primula pedemontana
The Primula pedemontana is recognisable in the spring by its beautiful pink flowers and edged leaves and small red glands, which distinguish it from its cousin, the Primula hirsuta. It is a species that lives on siliceous rocks, like quartzite (white-green rock) overhead. It is a protected species at the national level and, as such, cannot be picked. In the nature reserve, all vegetation is protected. Ÿou can touch it with your eyes and nose! - History
The history of the Baillettaz Natural Reserve
The Baillettaz National Nature Reserve was created in 2000, following the complete decommissioning of the Col de l´Iseran Nature Reserve (created in 1963), in order to reclassify the valley´s ski area. It covers an area of approximately 495 ha. Its natural heritage consists mainly of flora, large fauna (chamois and ibex), as well as birds of prey (golden eagle, bearded vulture and common kestrel). - Pastoralism
Livestock and the wolf
The return of the wolf and the lynx cause problems for livestock, particularly sheep. As a consequence, dogs and patous have been introduced into the flocks in order to protect them. If they approach and start barking, stay calm, don’t shout out or make any sudden movements. After observing you for a moment, they will leave you to continue on your way. If a puppy or a young wolf approaches you, do not pet it. “Belle and Sébastien” is make believe! - Pastoralism
Agricultural practices
Ÿou arrive at the level of the 1st plateau called “Couart dessous”. The dry-stone walled park was once used to pen the flock for the night. Until the end of the 1990s, there was a communal flock of sheep, containing around 800 animals owned by several Val d´Isère farmers. With the change of pastoral practices, this flock was replaced by a private herd from Aiton, part of which is still owned by Christophe Mattis, who resides in Fornet. - Flora
The flora of the reserve
The majority of the reserve’s natural habitats are either attached to alpine grasslands or to rocks and screes, as well as some rare wetlands. The heritage species, often protected, include the carex bicolor on the wetlands, the saxifraga diapensioides on the limestone cliffs, Saxifraga muscoides on the screes and damp calcschist cliffs. Kœlerie of Mont-Cenis (Kœleria cenisia) is a fine example of the flora that grows on the reserve’s dry, scorched limestone grasslands. - Know-how
The ecological continuity of protected natural areas
With the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve behind it, the Baillettaz Nature Reserve, together with the Vanoise National Park and the Italian Gran Paradiso, forms the largest protected area in Europe. In terms of environmental preservation, the proximity of these protected areas ensures the ecological continuity between different mountain massifs, which has resulted in the return of the alpine Ibex by natural recolonisation from the Gran Paradiso. - History
The Vaudois passage
The mountain pass before you is that of Iseran. The road was opened in 1937. Prior to this road, only a mule track existed. The passage of man can be traced to the Roman era, with coins and a statuette found in Val d´Isère. Some crossings have even left their mark on history. In 1689, the Vaudois (an austere Christian minority who took refuge in Switzerland) wanted to return to their asylum grounds (4 Italian valleys, adjoining the Queyras) and passed with weapons and baggage. No one intervened despite the orders given! - Viewpoint
Panoramic view
Before you, you can see from west to east: the Pointe Pers (3,327 m in altitude) and the Signal de l´Iseran (3,237 m in altitude) to the left of the Col de l´Iseran (2,764 m in altitude). The Pointe du Charbonnel and glacier (3,752 m in altitude) at the back of the pass, in Maurienne and the crest of Leissières (3,043 m in altitude) to the right of the pass. Then to the right of the Leissières crest, the Pointe de Méan Martin (3,330 m in altitude) and the Pointes du Châtelard (3,378 m in altitude) and respective glaciers. - History
Val d'Isère village
It all began back in 1888 when the first hotel opened in Val d'Isère. Skiing became fashionable from the 1930s, and Val d'Isère soon established itself as a leading destination (the ski school opened, its first ski lift opened and the Col de l'Iseran mountain pass road opened). Winter sports really took off after World War II and Val d’Isère became a world-class resort thanks to its unique ski area and the authentic charm of its village. In 1955 it launched the Criterium de la Première Neige, a mythical downhill ski race, followed by other renowned competitions. The traditional Savoyard architecture showcases local materials: stone, timber, metal and lauze slate. Although timber chalets are still the best-known mountain house, the architecture in Val d’Isère also features a range of other types. Most chalets in Val d'Isère have been built in keeping with the traditional style and the different hamlets across the resort (Le Joseray, Le Fornet, Le Crêt, etc.) all harbour architectural secrets that are well worth uncovering on outings.
Guided tours of the resort are organised by the Tourist Office.