Réserve naturelle nationale du ravin de Valbois, National nature reserve in Chassagne-Saint-Denis, France.
The Réserve naturelle nationale du ravin de Valbois is a protected area with limestone cliffs, forested slopes, meadows, and streams in the Loue Valley. The terrain spans steep and gentler sections with varied vegetation ranging from rocky outcrops to wet stream corridors.
Until the late 19th century, the sunny slopes were used for growing grapes, but phylloxera disease and wine imports caused this activity to stop. The land then regenerated naturally, with trees and vegetation returning to the former vineyard areas.
The name comes from the Valbois ravine, a valley that has been traversed by local communities for generations. Today, hikers and nature enthusiasts shape how the place is used, moving through the rocky terrain in search of rare plants and wildlife.
Small groups of up to nine people can visit freely, while larger groups need to arrange permission beforehand. Wearing sturdy footwear and staying on marked paths helps protect the area while you explore.
The site is home to an extraordinary range of living forms, including thousands of insect species and hundreds of fungi types that visitors often miss. These hidden inhabitants are just as important to the ecosystem as the more visible wildlife and plants.
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