The Balavaux larch trees
Natural site
Balavaux, located in the region of Isérables, courts over 250 larch trees of which some are the largest and oldest in Europe. One of these multi-hundred-year-old trees has a record breaking circumference of 11.8 metres.
Balavaux is a wooded pasture which is home to about a hundred cows throughout summer. This mountain pasture has about 250 larches, some of which have reached the venerable age of 1000 years.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
These multi-century-old trees convey strength and serenity. Among them is even the most imposing in Europe, nicknamed "the King of Balavaux", which has a circumference of 11.8 m. It is surrounded by a footbridge to protect its roots from the trampling of hikers and cattle.
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
The best season to recharge one's batteries amidst the Balavaux larch trees is undoubtedly autumn. Indeed, this conifer, before losing all its needles in winter, glows with a thousand shades of gold and orange in October.
- No parking available
- Panorama / belvedere