Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, National nature reserve in Hautes-Pyrénées, France
Néouvielle National Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Pyrenees with granite valleys and about 70 lakes spread across elevations from 1,800 to 3,091 meters (5,900 to 10,140 feet). The landscape features alpine meadows, water bodies of varying sizes, and rocky terrain with vegetation becoming sparse at higher elevations.
The area first received protection status in 1935 and became a national nature reserve in 1968. This designation marked a commitment to safeguard the alpine environment and its natural diversity.
Shepherds still graze their flocks across the meadows following age-old practices that visitors can observe during the grazing season. This way of life remains tied to the landscape, shaping how the land is used and maintained.
The easiest access is from Saint-Lary-Soulan, where buses and shuttles connect to the main hiking trails throughout the reserve. The summer months offer the best conditions for visiting, as the trails are clear of snow and safer to explore.
Around 370 animal species live within the reserve, and some mountain pine trees grow at the exceptional height of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). These high-altitude forests are rare and demonstrate how life adapts to extreme mountain conditions.
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