The natural reserve occupies part of the Roc de Chere, small forested mountain range above lake Annecy, between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires.
Created in 1977 and covering an area of 68 hectares, it is home to a wide variety of sensitive flora and fauna. As a protected area, part of this massif has been classified as a national nature reserve, governed by strict regulations to preserve the site's geological interest as well as its heritage flora and fauna.
The Roc de chère nature reserve is a fragile place. Stay on the lookout! You may be lucky enough to observe small forest mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects in their natural environment. As for the flora, you'll find a surprising mix of different vegetation families: one of glacial or arctic origin (rhododendron ferrugineux, lycopode sélagine, ...), the other preferring the heat and is more characteristic of southern environments (érable de Montpellier, buis, ...).
The topography of the Roc de chère (soil composition, exposure, etc.) is highly varied, giving rise to very different natural environments. From limestone slopes to marshy valleys, the walker passes through a variety of landscapes and atmospheres...
Situated at an altitude of between 447 m and 601 m, the Roc de Chère is a protected area in which certain rules must be respected by all walkers:
- Pets must be kept on a leash.
- Camping and bivouacs prohibited.
- Garbage prohibited
- Motorized vehicles prohibited
- Fires and cigarettes prohibited
- Flower and plant picking prohibited
- No inscriptions on stones, trees, etc.
- Disturbing the peace and quiet of the site by using a radio or any other instrument is prohibited.