In the small town of Saint-Victor-sur-Arlanc, a discovery trail open to all was created four years ago to showcase the eight-hectare Champs du Cros wetland. The trail is safe, well-maintained, and accessible to everyone, featuring three observation points that offer opportunities to discover the local flora and fauna at an altitude of over 1.000 meters. We spoke with Jean-Luc Borie, mayor of Saint-Victor-sur-Arlanc, and Annie David, first deputy mayor in charge of the project.
Why did you decide to create this course?
Jean-Luc Borie: From the outset, we thought that water was a very important issue for the future, and we believed that a wetland was a water reserve that needed to be preserved. So we created this trail about four years ago, so that people could come and see what a wetland is and what its purpose is.
What are its specific features?
Jean-Luc Borie: We created a wooden walkway, using local wood species, to allow visitors to stroll through the 8-hectare wetland. It's accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. In fact, we've been awarded the Tourism and Disability label. The walkway also features three areas where visitors can stop and discover different things, such as the peat bog, the animals, the meadow, and a pond where we talk about the animals and the forest. We even tell the story of a shepherdess who was punished by heaven for working on a procession day. It's a local legend, but I won't say any more.
Were there cows grazing here before?
Annie David:
Yes, that's right, it was a village pasture, and the farmers would bring their cows to graze there every evening. I myself grazed with my family's cows in the 60s and 70s. At the time, these grazing areas were much more wooded with pine trees.
Is it still a heavily wooded area?
Jean-Luc Borie: When you arrive at the trail, you come to a section that was once wooded and has been replanted with local species. Among others, there's Scots pine. Then you reach a meadow where there's a pasture that's still used today. This was done intentionally, to show how it was used in the past. Continuing on, you arrive at the wetland area, where there's a wooded area with species that are currently deciduous trees, but which, in the rather distant future, will become firs and other conifers, taking over. Finally, the trail ends at a pond at the edge of the wetland, where the water flows into the Arzon River a little further on, eventually joining the Loire River even further downstream.
Does this route help raise public awareness about the environment?
Jean-Luc Borie: Of course. The idea is to preserve the fauna and flora. Nature knows how to manage this wetland, and so we decided to help it by letting it do its work in this protected area.
Does it contribute to developing ecotourism in the municipality?
Jean-Luc Borie: Yes, a great many people come here. There's a parking lot at the entrance, and the trail is signposted. There are locals, of course, but also tourists in the summer, and people who have second homes in the area. This trail allows us to showcase the town and show that we have some beautiful things to offer. It's a relaxing place where you can find shade in the summer and enjoy the cool air.
Practical information
For all information on the route of the wetland area of Champ du Cros, it is possible to contact the town hall of Saint-Victor-sur-Arlanc on Thursday at 04 71 03 28 28.
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