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KEEPING SAFE AROUND THE PASTOU

Not strictly wildlife but an animal almost certain to be encountered is the pastou. These are large, white dogs that roam the mountainsides with flocks of sheep. Their role is to protect the flock from predators and threats, so they will be interested in your presence. The advice from the National Park is reprinted below.

A pastou coming to investigate

 Keep your distance, making a wide detour around the flock.

 Remember these dogs are guard dogs, don't try to pet them, feed them or do anything they might misinterpret as a threat.

 Behave calmly when passing them; avoid loud noises and sudden movements – this is probably particularly important if you have children with you.

 If one comes towards you stand still and allow it to work out what you're doing, avoid eye contact as dogs interpret eye-to-eye communication as a challenge. Walking away calmly and quietly is very effective.

Plants and flowers

The Alpine meadows are a riot of colour in the summer months, and a lazy picnic amongst the multicoloured carpet of wild flowers can form the centrepiece to a relaxing ‘day off’. Many of the flowers will be familiar to keen gardeners; others will be recognisable to even the least skilled flower spotter. Edelweiss can be spotted in sunny open places high above the treeline. Great splashes of white St Bruno's lily and a range of anemone, Alpine gentians and campanulas are frequently discovered on the high mountains, while in the valleys orchids are also found in damp spots. The meadows near Bonneval-sur-Arc and l'Ecot are carpeted with orchids, polygonum and dianthus in the summer months.