Botanical Tour: "A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air"

Val-Cenis

Through smell, sight, and sound, discover the various edible plants that can be found in the mountains, especially in the Mont-Cenis Alpine Garden.

Description

Mont Cenis keeps its secrets well hidden. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, amid its alpine meadows, ancient scree slopes, and the blue waters that stretch from the sky to the dam, dozens of edible and medicinal plants grow—plants you pass by every day without even noticing them.
This region is no ordinary Alpine massif; it is a place where ecosystems intersect. A crossroads between the Inner Alps, the Southern Alps, and the Mediterranean foothills, it is home to more than 700 plant species. The warm wind from the Lombarde clashes with the cold wind from the Vanoise, creating an exceptional microclimate where rare species—some unique to France—thrive.
During this guided botanical walk, you’ll learn how to safely identify, harvest, and use more than 15 wild plants from the plateau, following a rigorous method. This isn’t a lecture—you’ll touch, smell, and maybe even taste.
On the agenda: field identification, surprising historical anecdotes, rules for responsible foraging in Savoie, drying and preservation techniques, and a fun quiz at the end of the walk to test your new knowledge.