Lacs des Millefonts

5 points of interest

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  Geology

  The geology of the Mercantour

  The site of Col de Veillos is marvellous for a geological reading of the landscape.
  The rocks of the col form this singular relief, known as “ruiniform”. They are rauhwackes, of sedimentary origin. On the road to the Millefonts carparks, you may already have spotted the beautiful limestone piton of Baus de la Frema.
  Opposite Col de Veillos, the ridge at the north, between the cols of Ferrière and Barn, is made up of crystalline metamorphic rocks: migmatite, with a mixture of light and dark colours.
  And from Col de Barn, enjoy the view across Argentera and its famous granite.

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  Pastoralism

  Mountain pastoralism

  On this immense Alpine pasture of Millefonts, the flocks settle in for the summer. According to the season, we can see many sheep here (destined for meat) as well as goats.

  The big dogs whose job it is to defend the flocks against any attacks from predators (stray dogs, wolves...), are Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. If they approach you, stay calm and do not move. After they have looked at you for a while, they will quickly head back off to protect the flocks. These dogs are of great help to the shepherds.

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  Flora

  Alpine grasses

  In the mountains, the rough climatic conditions (cold, wind...) prevent the forest from growing beyond an altitude of 2200 metres. Above this level, only grasses resist. Although it may appear rough and homogeneous, this ecosystem is actually extremely rich. Beyond the multiple plant species (such as carlina, lotus, blue gentian, clover, etc.), there are many insects (such as the famous  Siberian cricket), mammals (marmots, voles, stoats) and birds (rock ptarmigans and rock partridges).

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  Fauna

  Marmots (marmotta marmotta)

  Between screes and Alpine pastures, you can see – and more easily hear – marmots, delightful rodents which are typical of the mountain environment.

  When you hear one emit its high call, look to the sky: it is perhaps the marmot’s worst enemy, the golden eagle, soaring above…

  Genuine hibernators, marmots spend half the year sleeping tin their burrows. They can weigh up to 6kg before winter, making them walk somewhat heavily even if they retain their natural agility.

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  Geology

  The life and death of mountain lakes

  The landscape of the grassland and the Millefonts lakes is the direct result of the geographical model put in place by the last glacial period. The glaciers created deep hollows in places and in other created natural dams called. The two phenomena naturally created mountain lakes. However, sediment and organic plant matter tend to fill the lakes in, leaving just a wet and marshy area:  the peat bog.

  These environments are very rich in plant life but also highly fragile. An excellent example can be see downstream of the small Millefonts lake.