When the glacier in the Vallée Verte melted, it left a large layer of clay on the Col and a marsh appeared. The marsh gradually became covered in vegetation and, after thousands of years, became a peatland. It feels like you’ve travelled to Northern Europe close to the Arctic Circle. Over time, peat moss (common to peatlands) accumulated to a 4m thickness. Plants and animals had to adapt to this plant raft that acts like a huge sponge. This adaptation makes peatlands unique and highly important for biodiversity and water regulation. You shouldn’t loiter here.
Tips
Les Moises peatland is now protected. You'll find an information panel about this exceptional site on the platform built around the peatland. If you visit this point on a regular basis throughout the year you can watch orchids, buckbean and cottongrass blossom; you'll also see a viviparous lizard and pretty butterfly, common to the peatland. And if you're very patient on some mornings you may hear the flute-like song of Hydris* as she gathers beads from sundews. *Hydris is one of the four fairies on the "Secrets de fées" footpaths in Les Moises.
Ouverture
All year round: open daily.
Tarifs
Free of charge
Contact et accès Plateau des Moises 74420 Habère-Poche Haute-Savoie (74)
