A high place of biodiversity in the Queyras
In the heart of the French-Italian Mont Viso massif (3,841 m.), the nature reserve covers 2,295 hectares, between 1,700 m. and 3,287 m. of altitude, in the commune of Ristolas.
In the heart of the French-Italian Mont Viso massif (3,841 m.), the nature reserve covers 2,295 hectares, between 1,700 m. and 3,287 m. of altitude, in the commune of Ristolas.
It is at the heart of a conservation scheme for the natural heritage of the Queyras Regional Natural Park.
Nationally recognized for the integrity of its mountain fauna, its flora is also original with the presence of several species living only in the Queyras such as the Alpine woad or the Arvet Touvet sow-thistle. This phenomenon, called endemism, of very limited presence of a species is also found in insects, snails or amphibians: you can meet the famous Salamander of Lanza only in the Viso massif!
The nature reserve is the place to make many discoveries or unforgettable hikes by staying on the marked trails and without dogs.
The agents of the nature reserve share their work between surveillance, public information and monitoring of the fauna and flora. They will share with you with passion, their knowledge of the site during several receptions planned during the summer of 2017.
You can also send them your observations, especially your encounters with the Lanza Salamander, which is the subject of special attention to better understand its history and habits. Observation forms are available at the Arche des Cimes, the Viso refuge, the Agnel refuge and at all the Tourist Office reception points.
Together, let's preserve our heritage
The nature reserve is a regulated area: a sign at the entrance to the parking lot of the Roche écroulée specifies these regulations.
Even if there are prohibitions, it is however strongly allowed to take its time to breathe, to see and contemplate, to listen and hear, to discover and understand: these freedoms to share!
Nationally recognized for the integrity of its mountain fauna, its flora is also original with the presence of several species living only in the Queyras such as the Alpine woad or the Arvet Touvet sow-thistle. This phenomenon, called endemism, of very limited presence of a species is also found in insects, snails or amphibians: you can meet the famous Salamander of Lanza only in the Viso massif!
The nature reserve is the place to make many discoveries or unforgettable hikes by staying on the marked trails and without dogs.
The agents of the nature reserve share their work between surveillance, public information and monitoring of the fauna and flora. They will share with you with passion, their knowledge of the site during several receptions planned during the summer of 2017.
You can also send them your observations, especially your encounters with the Lanza Salamander, which is the subject of special attention to better understand its history and habits. Observation forms are available at the Arche des Cimes, the Viso refuge, the Agnel refuge and at all the Tourist Office reception points.
Together, let's preserve our heritage
The nature reserve is a regulated area: a sign at the entrance to the parking lot of the Roche écroulée specifies these regulations.
Even if there are prohibitions, it is however strongly allowed to take its time to breathe, to see and contemplate, to listen and hear, to discover and understand: these freedoms to share!
Rates
Rates
Free access.
—
Openings
Openings
All year 2025 - Open everyday
Location
Location
Contact Réserve naturelle nationale RISTOLAS MONT VISO
- www.pnr-queyras.fr
