Vallé Advenature Park

What sets it apart

The 23-Coloured Earth spreads its ripples of volcanic sand, from purple to red, yellow to blue; iron and aluminium, settled into distinct layers, account for the shades. Three waterfalls mark the park: Vacoas, which reaches up to nine metres high and eighteen wide depending on the season, Cheveux d’Ange with its twin streams, and Chamouzé, fifteen metres high, which can be crossed by zipline. The endemic forest holds more than fifty native species; each tree along the trail carries a sign giving its name, its characteristics and its traditional uses.

The mood

Free-roaming deer, giant Aldabra tortoises and peacocks share the grounds with visitors. A rock garden, inspired by Japanese Zen gardens, offers a quiet pause. Two restaurants round off the visit, one serving Indian cuisine by the river, the other facing a waterfall.

Highlights

• The 23-Coloured Earth
• Three waterfalls: Vacoas, Cheveux d’Ange and Chamouzé
• A forest of more than fifty native species, labelled tree by tree
• Free-roaming deer, giant Aldabra tortoises and peacocks
• A Japanese-inspired rock garden
• Viewpoints over the south coast
• Ziplines, Nepalese bridge, quad bikes and buggies

Good to know

• The colours of the earth are at their most vivid on sunny mornings.
• Each of the natural sites takes fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Entrance ticket for non-residents: 550 rupees from age 12, 325 rupees from 6 to 11. Residents: 400 and 275 rupees. Free up to age 5.
• Residents show an identity card on arrival.
• A look at the weather forecast before booking avoids a visit in the rain.

Getting there

The park is at Mare Anguilles, Chamouny, on the B102 road. An entrance ticket gives access to the park. The natural sites are reached on foot along the walking trail, or aboard a ten-seater open jeep with a guide.