Ravines, Cliffs and Scree Slopes

The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park offers a large variety of natural environments. In itself, the forest covers two-thirds of territory. Still, the Park is rich with a multitude of other resources. High stubble (altitude meadows), peatlands, glacial cirques, rocky cliffs, rock slides, lakes and rivers intermingle harmoniously.

Cliffs and steep Alsatian slopes contrast with the rounded summits. They originate from the Rhine ditch collapse during the Tertiary Age.

Glaciations in the Quaternary Era carved glacial cirques and heightened hillside verticality in places. Harsh living conditions and prolonged snow covers hindered the development of trees. With the peatlands, plant communities constitute botanical and biodiversity jewels as many species sought shelter in these ravines. Great ravens, peregrine falcons enjoy these peaceful and more or less wooded cliffs. The Eagle Owl reappeared in the Hautes-Vosges recently, after several years of absence. The Chamois, introduced in the Fifties, also appreciates tall grass prairies on the steeper slopes.

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