Xeric environments of Mount Torretta - Bellon

Here nature expands at low altitude, disseminating rare faunistic and floristic species of steppe and/or Mediterranean origins. A very special landscape, which unites the historical terracing of vineyards, limited by traditional dry-stone walls, to the thickets of White Oak, Ash Trees and Scots Pines.
The ornithological fauna is of particular interest and richness, with rare species not only at regional level, but also national and European, such as the Sardinian Warbler, whose signaling is of great scientific relevance: it constitutes the first reproductive data for the species within the Franco-Italian valley, one of the maximum altitudes recorded in Italy or France, and the world’s Northern limit for the reproduction of the species. Furthermore, the Greek Partridge spends its winter in this area while the Harrier Eagle hunts for snakes. The Mount Torretta – Bellon represents an authentic natural corner of the world.

Activites

  • Hiking

    Small traditional unpaved paths run through the site: they are used by the local vine growers.
    All itineraries are described in the TRAILS section.

Discover the site

Spring and autumn are the best months to visit the area. Because of its low altitude and the absence of shade, the site can be very hot in the summer. Also, due to its small dimensions, the site is better suited to small groups; wine-growing and ornithology enthusiasts will be able to discover the area while walking along the marked trails. A guided visit is compulsory.


Behavioural conduct rules

We remind you that you can contribute to the preservation of these sites by following these simple rules:

visit the site on foot, avoid using motorized vehicles; mountain bikes and horseback riding are permitted only in specific authorized areas (external to the site): please respect hikers;

please stay within the marked trails, as trampling can ruin the fragile grass and undergrowth areas;

please observe wild animals from a distance, do not capture them, do not disturb them nor feed them, and do not photograph occupied nests;

keep your dog on a leash and on the marked trails;

do not pick minerals or flowers;

do not make fires;

please bring your garbage , where you will find many recyclable waste-collection points.

How to get there

By car

From the S.S. 26 state road, in direction of the Mont Blanc, turn left after the very visible Hotel Etoile du Nord on the communal road which leads to the municipality of Sarre. Once you’ve passed the village of Tissoret, turn left on the road which leads to the hamlet of Fochat. Continue for few meters and park the car in a small recess along the road.

Accessibility codification of sites

VIVA has chosen to supply everyone – youngsters, adults, the elderly and the disabled – with all the sites’ information so as to allow the visitor to choose a destination in an autonomous way.
An “Accessibility Codification”has thus been defined.


Xeric environments of Mount Torretta - Bellon

Information to reach the site 0
Accessibility from main roads 2
Parking for the disabled 0
Accessible restrooms 0
Information panels 0
Slopes (max 8%) 0
Trail width (min 90cm) 1
Road surface 1
Resting areas approx every 10 m 0
Safety and protection of trails 2
Periodic maintenance 2

GENERAL INDICATIONS – ASSESSMENT VALUES (0 ÷ 3):
0 corresponds to ABSENCE of the indicated parameter;
3 corresponds to the PRESENCE of the indicated parameter, in optimal condition;
1 – 2 are INTERMEDIATE VALUES: in general, they indicate the presence of the parameter which must however be improved (1 = sufficient, 2 = close to optimal)

Paths

More paths :

VIVA suggests:

Short path

Bellon

  • Elevation gain : 622 m
  • Travel time: 1 h
  • Signposting: 9

What to see:

Period:

Easy trails: routes that present no major technical difficulties or too challenging slopes. They can be covered in full or in small sections, allowing in both cases to come into contact with unspoilt nature, discovering its pace and balance …

Medium difficult trails: routes that can be covered in a day, varying considerably in terms of height differences and technical difficulty; the benefit is in being able to reach wildlife destinations of great impact.

Long trails: excursions lasting several days which provide for stopover places and catering along the route.

cartina Xeric environments of Mount Torretta - Bellon

SIC SIC IT1205050

Municipality: Sarre, Saint-Pierre

Surface: 49 ha

Altitude: 839 ÷ 1.010 m s.l.m.

Responsible forest station:
Aosta, Villeneuve

VIVA recommends the premises belonging to the network “Saveurs du Val d’Aoste

Saveurs du Val d'Aoste

Discover the surroundings