Bouchouse Valley near the Col d'Agnel

During the last Ice Age, plants and animals characteristic of the arctic zones retreated south before the ice. After the glaciers melted, some species, such as the Rock Ptarmigan, the Mountain Hare and the Arctic Rush, survived by taking refuge in alpine valleys (such as this one). Thanks to the altitude, precipitation and duration of snow cover, they find climatic conditions close to those of the far north.

When we're focused on bagging another mountain pass, we might forget to look around and see why these mountains are special.Read more