Discover the champion of our mountains, the Chamois!

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Discover the champion of our mountains, the Chamois!

Meet the chamois on the "Hautes Chaumes" in the magnificent Vosges Mountains while being guided by a mountain professional in a place where the flora and fauna will not leave you indifferent. Many natural wonders capable of dazzling you!

Duration : 2h

  • Observation of chamois in their natural habitat with an easy approach adapted to the participants.
  • Departure from the Schlucht pass to reach the heights of Hohneck, with a professional, state-certified guide.
  • Appropriate equipment is required during winter or bad weather.
  • Level: All levels, accessible to everyone from 5 years old, but good physical condition recommended.
  • Basic rate for a private outing: €150 for a group of up to 6 people, with additional rates per adult, teenager and child.
  • Possibility of enjoying a mountain meal at the farm inn at the end of the hike.

On the programme

You will discover

  • During this immersive walk, you will learn more about the fascinating lifestyle of the chamois, true masters of the Vosges mountains.
  • You'll discover how these animals have perfectly adapted to the mountain environment: their keen eyesight allows them to detect movement up to 500 meters away in the dark, while their highly developed sense of smell helps them detect the presence of intruders even at great distances. Their hearing, meanwhile, is accustomed to human sounds, which facilitates a certain coexistence with discreet walkers.
  • Your guide will also explain how to estimate the age of a chamois: simply observe the rings on their horns, like the rings of a tree. These rings are more spaced apart in the early years, reflecting the rapid growth of young individuals.
  • Finally, you will learn how chamois adapt their diet throughout the seasons: they are fond of flowers and herbaceous plants in summer, but eat more modestly in winter thanks to their accumulated fat reserves, and nibble on holly, ivy and juniper to survive the cold.
  • Once you've recovered from the excitement of this walk, you can then enjoy a delicious mountain meal at a farmhouse inn to round off the evening in style! A friendly atmosphere and a great atmosphere will combine to surprise you even more and leave you with a truly memorable experience!
 

What are the adaptations of these animals to mountain environments ?

The chamois's eyesight allows it to distinguish movement nearly half a kilometer away in the dark. Its hearing is accustomed to the sounds of human activity, which favors cohabitation with them. Chamois, however, pay close attention to any unusual noise, and to detect whether there is danger or not, they use their most developed sense: smell. This sense allows them to confirm, in a favorable wind, the presence of intruders more than 500 meters away, which is quite exceptional!

 

Particularly fond of food in summer, chamois eat little in winter.

Related to herbivores, chamois feed on nutrient-rich herbaceous plants such as grasses and flowers like irises, daffodils, and gentians. Thanks to the long-term spread of germination, food is available to them for a long time. In winter, chamois have the particularity of drawing on their fat reserves, which they built up in summer, and feeding on whatever they find, such as juniper, ivy, or holly.

 

Family package: €120.00 (2 adults, 2 children) + €20.00 per additional child

Departure conditions and prices:

➤ Excursions are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants.

➤ If the number of registered participants is less than 6, the organizer may group several people together to guarantee the departure and optimize costs related to logistics, transportation, and organization.

➤ The excursion is available for private bookings upon request. The base rate is €150 for a group of up to 6 people, plus €25 per adult, €20 per teenager, and €15 per additional child. A preferential rate of €100 is available for groups of up to 4 participants, depending on the availability of our guide.

➤ For groups, we offer free admission for 10 paying participants.


Good to know

Included in the offer
  • Spotting scope and binoculars provided for professional observation.
  • Organization and insurance fees.
To take with you
  • Walking shoes are strongly recommended.
  • Dark, warm, and windproof clothing.
Not included in the offer
  • Transportation.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Meals at the hostel (upon request).
  • Personal equipment (shoes, clothing).
Important information
  • Level: All levels.
  • Physical condition: All physical conditions.
  • No perfumes/deodorants.
Spoken language French
Starting from 25,00 €

Activity location

Address

Destination Sport Nature

Col de la Schlucht, Le Valtin, France


Parking

Schlucht Pass Parking


Activity provider : Destination Sport Nature

Customer reviews

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4.8
EXCELLENT

Based on 6 Reviews

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Sarah

Super experience

Commenté le 02/09/2024

Nous avons adoré cette visite. Florent était à l'écoute, disponible, nous avons passé un très bon moment. Nous avons appris beaucoup de choses sur la région, la faune et la flore locale. Le matériel est fourni pour observer les chamois, nous recommandons à 100 pour cent

Olivier Diaz

A répondu à Sarah le 24/09/2024

Bonjour Sarah, Un grand merci pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé un excellent moment avec Florent et que la découverte de la région vous ait plu. Merci également pour votre recommandation.


Nathalie

Superbe rencontre avec les champions des montagnes !

Commenté le 24/07/2024

Superbe promenade avec Florent qui nous a permis de voir plusieurs chamois dans un cadre absolument magnifique ! Attention, certains du groupe n'étaient pas équipés convenablement (bonnes chaussures de marche) malgré les précisions d'usage et ont , par conséquent, eu du mal à suivre ... Avec un bon équipement, à recommander !!!!

Olivier Diaz

A répondu à Nathalie le 24/09/2024

Bonjour Nathalie, Merci pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié la promenade et les observations de chamois avec Florent. Nous insistons effectivement sur l'importance du bon équipement, et nous vous remercions pour cette recommandation précieuse. Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau,


Sophie

belle découverte

Commenté le 15/07/2024

Belle découverte des chamois avec les jumelles et la longue vue. Notre guide Olivier nous a apporté beaucoup d'informations sur la faune et la flore. Nous avons eu la chance de voir une vingtaine de chamois à l'œil nu ou aux jumelles. Les enfants ont apprécié.

Olivier Diaz

A répondu à Sophie le 25/09/2024

Bonjour Sophie, Merci beaucoup pour votre chaleureux avis ! Je suis ravi que vous et les enfants ayez apprécié l'observation des chamois et que les informations sur la faune et la flore aient enrichi votre expérience. J’espère avoir l’occasion de vous guider à nouveau pour d’autres découvertes.



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