Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard is a national nature reserve situated on the northern slopes of the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range in the French Alps. This area is characterized by a dramatic glacial cirque, with peaks reaching close to 3000 meters and a lowest point at 1700 meters. The landscape features ancient glacial valleys, moraines, and diverse flora, transitioning from montane forests to alpine meadows. The terrain in Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard provides opportunities for several sports…
156
Routes
4.4
(1065)
Average rating
22888
People visited

4.9
(73)
1,004
hikers
16.8km
07:57
1,210m
1,200m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(41)
714
hikers
19.8km
08:07
1,730m
1,730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(4)
86
hikers
23.5km
11:59
1,970m
1,970m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(160)
2,147
hikers
12.9km
06:23
1,000m
1,000m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.6
(27)
217
riders
19.4km
01:45
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.8
(17)
118
riders
23.4km
03:00
1,120m
1,120m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(2)
9
riders
6.86km
00:47
270m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
11.5km
01:42
740m
740m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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86
runners
24.2km
05:26
2,070m
2,070m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.5
(12)
441
runners
20.0km
02:30
380m
380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(2)
1,080
runners
31.7km
05:02
1,470m
1,470m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(4)
186
runners
15.0km
02:38
850m
850m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(27)
1,133
riders
68.8km
04:20
1,820m
1,820m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(28)
1,104
riders
61.0km
03:05
980m
980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.6
(12)
733
riders
84.7km
04:22
1,440m
1,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.8
(5)
111
riders
191km
11:12
4,680m
4,680m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(6)
238
riders
64.9km
05:25
2,130m
2,130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(12)
233
riders
23.4km
01:56
360m
360m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.7
(3)
63
riders
130km
09:54
3,200m
3,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
54
riders
28.5km
02:16
750m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
75
hikers
10.4km
05:18
820m
820m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.6
(5)
36
hikers
11.7km
04:47
630m
630m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

23
hikers
13.6km
05:56
1,110m
1,110m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
20
hikers
19.7km
08:48
1,330m
1,330m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.0
(4)
44
riders
18.8km
01:08
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
15.1km
01:06
170m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.3
(3)
16
riders
43.3km
03:40
1,440m
1,440m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
8.70km
00:38
80m
80m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, mountaineering, and touring cycling. While mountain biking and road cycling are restricted within the reserve, routes for these sports are available in surrounding areas. The reserve is particularly well-suited for hiking and jogging, with a diverse network of trails.
The reserve features a diverse network of hiking trails, ranging from moderate loops to challenging ascents. Popular routes include those leading to Lac Blanc and trails offering views of Mont Blanc. The Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard serves as a convenient resting point and a starting location for ascents to Mont Buet. Explore options with Hiking around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard.
Yes, the reserve's network of trails is suitable for jogging, allowing visitors to experience the mountain environment. Joggers can utilize many of the same trails as hikers. For specific routes, refer to Running Trails around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard.
Mountain biking is generally restricted or forbidden within the Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard due to its protected status. Road cycling is not an activity practiced within the reserve itself, as it primarily consists of hiking trails and natural landscapes. Routes for these activities are typically found in the surrounding areas.
Yes, the reserve offers trails suitable for families. These routes provide an opportunity to explore the alpine environment with varying levels of difficulty. For specific family-friendly options, consult Family-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard.
The reserve is characterized by a dramatic glacial cirque, with peaks reaching close to 3000 meters. It features four hanging glaciers, moraines, and diverse flora including rare plant species. Notable features include the picturesque Cascade de Bérard and the Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard.
The reserve is home to fauna typical of high-mountain environments. Visitors may have opportunities to spot iconic species such as ibex, chamois, black grouse, and golden eagles. The elusive wallcreeper is also present, and the Col de Bérard serves as an important migration corridor for birds and insects.
The provided information does not specify regulations regarding dogs. It is advisable to check with the reserve management for current rules on pets. Contact information for the reserve is available through their official website or phone number.
Routes in Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by more than 473,000 visitors. The community feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the available routes.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard, Running Trails around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard, and Family-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard. Other guides cover topics like mountain hikes, waterfall hikes, and routes from bus stations.
General regulations within the reserve prohibit littering, making fires, picking flowers, and camping (bivouacking may be tolerated in specific zones with prior reservation). Flying over the area with paragliders, hang gliders, helicopters, or drones below certain altitudes without authorization is also restricted. Visitors should avoid loud noise and activities that disturb wildlife.
The Réserve naturelle du vallon de Bérard is managed by Asters, Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Haute-Savoie. Their official website is www.asters.asso.fr or www.cen-haute-savoie.org. The phone number for Asters is +33 4 50 66 47 51.

