The Natural Areas of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley
Welcome to the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley,
a mountainous region where nature flourishes at every elevation. From wooded valley floors to wind-swept ridges, the landscapes unfold one after another, revealing a wide variety of natural habitats. Glaciers, torrents, forests, alpine meadows bursting with a thousand flowers, and wetlands teeming with life come together here to form a mosaic of remarkable landscapes.
To preserve this richness, a vast network of protected areas has gradually been established. Today, more than 90% of the territory is covered by inventory and protection zones: national nature reserves, classified sites, Natura 2000 areas, Sensitive Natural Areas, and more. Each of these areas addresses specific challenges and has its own regulations, but all share the same goal: to understand and preserve this fragile natural and scenic heritage.
This network helps protect the most sensitive habitats while offering visitors the opportunity to explore them. Well-maintained trails, lookout points, and interpretive areas invite everyone to observe, understand, and gain a deeper appreciation of the surrounding landscapes. These areas also serve as valuable study sites, where visitors can observe wildlife, track changes in ecosystems, and seek to better understand natural balances.
Exploring these protected areas also means learning to interact with the mountains with greater care and respect. For this living landscape is our shared heritage, shaped by balances that are sometimes fragile. It is up to each of us to take care of it.
Various tools designed to meet different conservation objectives
In the valley, several conservation measures help preserve natural habitats, remarkable landscapes, and the species that live there. Each designation serves specific objectives and has its own level of regulation. Some ensure strict protection of the most sensitive areas, while others seek to balance biodiversity conservation, human activities, and exploration of the region.
This page aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the inventory and protection areas for natural spaces in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley.
To learn more about the specific regulations in these areas, please click on the links in the descriptions below and also consultthe article dedicated to regulations.
Table of Contents
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National Nature Reserves
Nature reserves are areas protected by the government to preserve exceptional natural heritage: rare species, remarkable habitats, or areas essential for wildlife reproduction and tranquility.
Regulations in these areas are particularly strict. Most human activities are prohibited or strictly regulated, such as construction, foraging, vehicle traffic, and the exploitation of natural resources. The goal is to sustainably preserve the ecological integrity of these sensitive environments.
This status currently offers the highest level of protection in France for remarkable natural areas.
In the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley
The three national nature reserves in the Chamonix Valley are managed by Asters, the Haute-Savoie Nature Conservancy. Active on the ground, this management organization is responsible, among other things, for monitoring the habitats and the species that live there, maintaining the sites, implementing management plans, raising visitor awareness (in cooperation with the CCVCMB), and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
Its work is long-term in nature, carried out in collaboration with local authorities and partners, to ensure the sustainable protection of these areas while making them accessible to the public.
Carlaveyron Nature Reserve
Nestled at the southern tip of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, in the town of Les Houches, the Carlaveyron Nature Reserve is home to a mosaic of habitats that support numerous species.
Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve is a remarkable protected area. Its natural habitats are diverse: spruce and larch forests, heathlands, and alpine meadows dotted with lakes and ponds, all the way up to the rocky landscapes of the higher elevations.
Vallon de Bérard Nature Reserve
Located on the northern slope of the Aiguilles Rouges, the Vallon de Bérard Nature Reserve reveals wild alpine landscapes: glaciers, cliffs, and scree slopes make up a territory home to some of the Alps’ most iconic species.
Want to go camping? Don't forget to make a reservation!
In the national nature reserves of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley, camping is regulated and requires a reservation from June 1 through September 30. This simple, free process helps protect the environment by limiting soil erosion, among other things. Be sure to make a reservation before you leave so you can enjoy a night in the mountains while respecting nature.
Natura 2000 Site
Natura 2000 sites are part of the European network of the same name, which aims to protect natural habitats and endangered species.
These areas allow for human activities to continue, provided they remain compatible with conservation objectives. When a project is likely to have a significant impact on the site, an environmental impact assessment must be conducted.
This system is based on local consultation and seeks to balance biodiversity conservation with the continued use of the land.
In the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 site—designated under the “Habitats” Directive and covering an area of 9,065 hectares—spans five municipalities: Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Vallorcine, Les Houches, Servoz, and Passy.
Learn more about the Natura 2000 site
Designated Sites
Designated sites are protected for their scenic, historical, scientific, legendary, or natural value. This system, established by the 1930 law and incorporated into the Environmental Code, aims to preserve the character and identity of these places. The goal is to protect the views, the atmosphere of the sites, and their natural or built heritage. Any visible change, such as the construction of a building or the creation of a path, requires specific authorization. This status primarily helps preserve the coherence and quality of remarkable landscapes.
There are four classified sites within the CCVCMB’s territory: the Mont Blanc Massif and its surroundings (SC147), the Balcon du Mont-Blanc (SC129), the Rocher des Tines (SC128), and the rock formation known as “Pierre aux Anglais” (SC130). It should be noted that very little documentation remains for the latter two sites, which were classified for their natural significance in 1935.
Mont Blanc Massif Protected Site
Mont Blanc Balcony Protected Site
Designated Site: Rocher des Tines
Registered Sites
Like classified sites, registered sites are recognized for their scenic, historical, scientific, legendary, or artistic significance. They are also governed by the 1930 law incorporated into the Environmental Code and constitute a first level of protection. The goal is to monitor the site’s evolution and prevent any irreversible degradation of its character. Any proposed construction project must be reported to the authorities four months in advance so that the Architecte des Bâtiments de France can issue an opinion.
There are two listed sites in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley: the Gorges de la Diosaz (75 ha, ref. SI591, listed in 1949) and the hamlet of Tré-le-Champ and its surroundings (38 ha, ref. SI692, listed in 1944).
Learn more about classified sites and listed sites
Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS)
Sensitive Natural Areas are sites protected at the initiative of the departments due to their ecological, scenic, or geological value. The goal is to preserve these fragile environments while allowing the public to explore them. Facilities such as trails, observation decks, or interpretive signs may be installed there.
Two sites in the valley are designated as ENS:
- the “Montagne du Rocher,” a 35.8-hectare forest and pasture area within the Blaitière pastoral unit (Chamonix)
- the “Combe de Balme,” a vast, preserved high-altitude valley covering 673 ha, located on the leeward side of the Aiguilles Rouges
The municipality of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is pursuing an ENS designation project for a third site in the Bois sector.
Learn more about the Haute-Savoie Nature Departmental Contract
Natural Habitat Protection Orders (APHN)
Natural Habitat Protection Decrees are regulatory measures implemented by the government to protect a specific, threatened habitat or species.
Unlike other measures, these can be enforced without prior consultation and also apply to private property.
Certain activities may be prohibited, such as vehicle traffic, mining, camping, or bivouacking.
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley is covered by the Mont-Blanc Natural Habitat Protection Order (APHN).
Et les ZNIEFF ?
Texte ZNIEFF
