Rhemes-Notre-dame Excursion to Lake Pellaud

In the heart of the Italian Alps, the Rhêmes Valley offers hiking routes that are a true ode to nature and tranquility. One of these routes starts from the hamlet of Chanavey and winds through varied landscapes rich in biodiversity, touching on points of historical and naturalistic interest along the way. The Chanavey Route: A Journey Among Flora and Fauna
The Route
The hike begins in Chanavey, where visitors cross the bridge over the stream and follow the cross-country trail, always respecting the no-tramping rule so as not to disturb the natural environment. The trail passes through diverse environments: from the larch and alder forests that line the stream, to the villages of Oreiller and Bruil, living examples of carefully restored traditional alpine architecture. Biodiversity and Nature
Continuing beyond Bruil, the trail skirts the Dora di Rhêmes, offering glimpses of the stream in all its wild beauty. A flight of steps crosses a rock wall, leading to the Pellaud area, famous for its bodies of water inhabited by trout and red frogs. Here, the surrounding forest not only provides crucial habitat for local wildlife but also plays an essential role in maintaining the pond’s ecosystem. Flora and Fauna Protect
The lower pond is surrounded by larch and spruce trees, centuries-old guardians of this delicate environment. The upper pond is home to a historic hydroelectric power plant, evidence of the interaction between man and nature in this valley.