Val D’Isere, Mt Cenis, The French Alps (with Vira Natura)

This tour is an excellent introduction to Alpine Flora in general, where we can see many of the typical plants of the Alps together with a few special rarities. The views are spectacular, and walks not overly demanding as we explore the various habitats of woodlands, meadows, turf, scree, cliffs, and high altitude alpine zones.

Plants we hope to see include the largest flowered orchid in Europe, Cypripedium calceolus, one of the best forms Edelweiss, Leontopodium, Saxifragas S. caesia, S. diapensioides, S. oppositifolia, S. biflora, and of course Campanula cenisia and sweetly scented Viola cenisia.

Here we can drive up high and easily encounter some high altitude Alpines, including Ranunculus glacialis, Androsace alpina, A. pubescens, Petrocalis pyrenaica, and Geum reptans.

The woods around Val D’Isere are full of Phyteuma, Lilies, Campanula and Orchids, whilst the meadows beneath Tignes are extremely rich. The alpine turf on the way back is full of Dryas, Sempervivum and Centaurea.

Mt Cenis holds it’s own rich array of plants including the very rare Saxifraga valdensis. The turf, screes and meadows here are also full of flowers, including Campanulas C. alpestris, C. spicata, C. thyrsoides, Aster alpina and a million forms of the beautiful little Dianthus pavonius.

An ACTIVE tour designed with walking and flowers in mind.