Educational walk: Evian water, where do you come from?

Departing from the Col de Creusaz, students will hike around Mont Bénand to the north. This trail offers interesting panoramic views of Lake Geneva, a remnant of the ancient Rhône glacier, whose passage has left many traces in the landscape. The view of the Mémises, with its well-defined rock layers, provides an insight into the formation of the Alps. From the western end of Mont Benand, students can see the Evian water "factory": the Plateau de Gavot impluvium. Several points will then be addressed: water infiltration and routing, protection of this resource and of the soil, and the chemical composition of water.

The group will then descend to La Beunaz, and set foot on the Plateau de Gavot, to see three remarkable formations over a distance of just 200 meters: a lake formed by the melting of a glacial lens, another formed by the collapse of two sinkholes, and a marshy area due to the filling in of a lake. Students can test the watertightness of the clay deposited by the Rhône glacier, and observe the "trampoline" effect of peat. During the outing, they will be able to recall a phenomenon that occurred in the year 563 on the shores of Lake Geneva: a tsunami causing major damage.

Full-day option: picnic at the hamlet of La Fiogère (Bonnevaux)
Information sheet given to teachers after booking, student sheets provided during the visit.
What to bring: walking shoes and warm clothing (even in summer), electric torches if possible (a few headlamps will be available), picnic if necessary.