Terraced path of Turra in Loza

10 points of interest

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  Flora

  Winter heath

  "The winter heath (Erica carnea) takes its name from its early blooming red or pink, ""flesh coloured” flowers (May-June). It is a protected plant in the Rhône-Alpes region and, although very rare throughout the rest of France, is common in Maurienne. On the Loza route, it reaches record altitudes in the last moors right under la Croix. In early summer, as soon as it has freshly snowed, your walk will take you through a real-life impressionist painting."

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  Viewpoint

  Croix de la Loza

  The Croix de La Loza culminates at 2,377 m in altitude at the summit of a perfectly rounded grassy dome. From there the hiker can enjoy a wide panorama since from this east-oriented prow, he will face the Upper Valley of Maurienne where there is a view of the valley line, from Lanslebourg to Bonneval-sur-Arc, bordered by impressive peaks. But the most majestic sight is towards the north-west. He can then see every detail of the south face of the Dent Parrachée (3,697 m) nearby. Next to the harmonious rock forms and colours, you will feel so small.

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  Water

  EDF tunnel

  At around 2,000 m in altitude, in the valley of Villeneuve, a straight-lined construction indicates the presence of an underground tunnel 16.8 km in length which pipes the waters of the Doron de Termignon from Entre-Deux-Eaux and along the way captures all the torrents of the southern slope of the Vanoise massif to discharge them into the Plan d´Aval dam in the neighbouring town of Aussois. Commissioned in August 1941, the water intake of the Doron de Termignon is one of the thousands that EDF has installed in the Alps.

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  Flora

  Adret forest

  The dry forests occupy an important place within the National Park, especially in the Maurienne valley, where the southern slopes of the Vanoise (adrets) are located. The species found within these forests are the Scots pine, spruce and mountain pine.

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  Flora

  Vegetation in the avalanche path

  The valley of Villeneuve is a wild environment dominated by big rock bars upstream and funnel-shaped forms downstream. The vegetation, consisting of scrawny mountain pines, is evidence of the pressure exerted by avalanches.

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  Small heritage

  Alpage de la Loza

  It is a herd of sheep from the village of Sollières which has its summer quarters on the alpine pasture of the Loza. Since the return of the wolf, a wooden chalet has been built providing shelter for the shepherd who stays there on a daily basis to ensure the safety of his flock. The Alpage de la Loza benefits from a contract between the farmer, the Chamber of Agriculture and the Park to lead agro-environmental measures conciliating pastoralism and the protection of species.

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  Fauna

  The eagle

  "It is not uncommon to see golden eagles on this route. The ingredients essential to the presence of this predator are all provided there. Good hunting grounds rich in prey and good lift for an excellent flight. The marmot unfortunately pays a heavy price given that it constitutes 80% of the eagle’s diet in summer. Chestnut brown in colour, with a 2.25 m wingspan, the golden eagle makes use of the slightest gusts of hot air and can often glide along on a single wingbeat for kilometres. In flight, its wingtips are well raised and its tail is fanned. To hunt it will accelerate near the relief and catch its prey by surprise at the turn of a natural obstacle. The bird of prey’s nest (often referred to as an ""eyrie"") is often located on the other side of the valley in a rocky bar at an altitude lower than the hunting ground so that the prey is easy to carry back by gravity."

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  Geology

  Roc des Corneilles

  "Half way between Loza and Turra is the Roc des Corneilles, a characteristic sharp-edged cargneule rock located 200 m above the GR5. It is unique in the fact that it is crossed by a large crescent-shaped breccia giving it the nickname ""hollow moon"". From there, you have a beautiful view of the Rateau d´Aussois. If you feel ready, you can get to it by leaving the GR and following the grassy rump north of the 2,456 m point on the IGN map. The famous Crows could very well be in fact groups of alpine choughs, a bird typical of the high reliefs, gregarious in nature and acrobatic in flight."

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  Fauna

  Chamois

  The trail on the GR 5 leads along a balcony dominated by large straight grassy slopes. From a fair distance, you can see the sheep and herds of chamois. These animals look like little dark spots on the almost vertical slopes but can be seen in much more detail with your binoculars: their heads are black around the eyes and white on the cheeks, thin black horns with hooked ends. The chamois is a cousin of the goat and the ibex. The kids are born at the end of May, beginning of June and it is not uncommon to see them in little groups having fun slipping and jumping on the last nevés.

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  Flora

  Campanula alpestris

  On the path descending from Turra, towards Aussois, keep your eyes open for this large purple-blue bell flower with bent hairy head, atop an inversely minuscule stem. It flowers in July - August. It is a campanula which likes the schistous and limestone screes. It is a rare and protected species in France.