Col du Morgonnet and Cabane du Jas

6 points of interest

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  Flora

  The Larch

  The king of trees in the mountains of the Southern Alps, the Larch is the only conifer to lose its needles in winter. In spring, its cones are a characteristic dark purple. The larch is one of the rare European species that is rot-proof, i.e. it does not rot. That’s why, despite the fact that it twists when dried, it is often used for roofing, drinking troughs and other gutters in mountain villages. Unable to regenerate under its own undergrowth, it needs natural openings such as avalanches if young shoots are to develop. It can be found at altitudes of over 2,200 metres, adopting dwarf forms in these combat zones. The larch seen at this point in the walk is several hundred years old.

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  Vernacular heritage

  Cabane du Jas

  In Provencal, jas means gîte. This term is used to describe the large traditional sheepbarns built far away from the farms and hamlets, near to the grazing areas. Generally of dry stone construction, these heritage features bear witness to a pastoral lifestyle which can be difficult to imagine now, because vegetation has taken over and the location seems so isolated and difficult to reach.

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  Panorama

  Panorama from the Col du Morgonnet

  Take to the heights to enjoy this extraordinary 360°C view. This perspective will delight young and old alike, what with the imposing Morgon to the north, the Ubaye valley to the east, the La Blanche mountain range and Haute-Provence to the south and, finally, Serre-Ponçon with its dam and the Durance valley stretching away to the west.

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  Flora

  Feather grass

  Feather grass is a perennial plant in the family Poaceae. This plant is found on dry to very dry stony ground, preferring a limey soil. Its seeds are scattered by the wind, aided by their long silky plumes. It is easy to mis-identify feather grass: look out for the hairless tips on young leaves of the sterile sprouts, and the yellowish base of the awn when mature.

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  Vernacular heritage

  Clapiers

  "Clapier" is the term used in the Southern Alps to describe a pile of stones. They are evidence of former farming activities. The stones were once removed to clear the fields. This made it easier to work the soil and saved space. Back then, everything was done by hand.

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  Fauna

  Zygaena hilaris

  This is a medium-sized butterfly (25-35 mm wingspan), often brightly coloured, with up to six spots on the inner wing. This Burnet is found on the edges of limestone meadows, steppe-like slopes, dry shrublands and clearings in dry forests. This remarkable species is indicative of the quality of the habitats. It is not nevertheless endangered, which is why it is not on the list of threatened species.

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