Hikers' charter

A harmonious relationship must be maintained between walkers and the natural environment. The wealth of flora and fauna is a collective heritage, and observation is the only way to make it your own. In reserves and free zones, you should refrain from picking anything.

The hiking routes pass through numerous protected areas and three Pro Natura nature reserves. When passing through the Vanil Noir, Pierreuse and Vallée de L'Etivaz reserves and the free zones, it is imperative to respect the rules indicated on the route. Dogs are not allowed in the nature reserves.

The Park has compiled a practical guide to good behaviour for hikers, which you can print out and take with you. It also provides a reminder of the legal obligations in the area. Another sheet has been specially designed for hikers wishing to take their dog with them.

The herdsmen will be delighted to welcome visitors, but they cannot always be as available as they would like. You can find the production dates for many mountain pastures on the Park's mobile phone application the cheese trails.

Finally, recognition of the work done by farmers is reflected in the fair price paid for their produce. In the spirit of fair trade, it seems important that visitors should pay for the products they eat or buy in the mountain chalets in the same way as they would in a shop or establishment in the valley.

The hiking trails cross many mountain pastures: magnificent landscapes, but also places to live and work. These areas reflect the work of the herdsmen who manage them, maintain them and bring them to life with their flocks. Hikers are welcome on these mountain pastures and are expected to respect the work that is done there.

The herdsmen are grateful when the gates and fences are closed, the herds are not disturbed, the dogs are kept on a lead and do not bathe in the water troughs, and their droppings are collected and disposed of in bins (otherwise there is a risk of poisoning the livestock).

They also appreciate it when visitors follow the paths and do not trample the hay meadows. Alpine chalets are welcoming places, but they are also private property. Visitors are expected to show courtesy (ask permission to enter, make their presence known, respect the privacy of the herdsmen and follow the instructions given.