Sagnes de la Godivelle National Nature Reserve

Sagnes de la Godivelle National Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area in the French Massif Central with two mountain lakes and peat bogs situated around 1200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation. The landscape features open water surfaces, marsh vegetation, and boggy terrain surrounded by alpine slopes.

The area gained protected status in 1975 and was expanded later to include more wetland and lake systems under formal conservation management. Today it operates under regional environmental protection authority in the Auvergne area.

The protected wetlands contribute to environmental research through monitoring activities and scientific studies of more than 1500 documented plant and animal species.

Access to the site is by hiking trails and viewing areas where visitors can watch birds and observe nature directly. The warmer months offer better visiting conditions when paths are more passable and the landscape is actively growing.

The site hosts specialized bog plants and moorland vegetation that thrive in high-altitude harsh conditions, creating unusual habitats for alpine bird species that are found few other places. These cold and wet upland ecosystems in this location support life forms that are rare or absent in lower European regions.

Location: La Godivelle

Inception: 1975

Website: http://parc-volcans-auvergne.com/php/comprendre/espaces/godivelle.php4

GPS coordinates: 45.38444,2.92361

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03