Tales of the Alps – Napoleon’s unpaid bill
The story of a very longstanding debt owed to a very small village At the dawn of the 19th century, newly republican France was at war with much of Europe. In the south-west of the country, the Alps formed a natural barrier against invasion,…
Tales of the Alps – Barry der Menschenretter
How a St. Bernard named Barry became a Swiss legend Although relatively unheard of outside his native Switzerland, Barry is known as the most famous dog in the country to the Swiss. In German, he is called Barry der Menschenretter, or “Barry the people…
Alpine flower notes: Alchemilla
Lady’s mantle Alchemilla A fascinating plant that is easy to overlook, lady’s mantle can be seen flowering across the Alps from spring through to autumn. There are many species worldwide, but the most common in the Western Alps are alpine lady’s mantle (Alchemilla alpina)…
Alpine Wildlife Notes: Eurasian Lynx – Lynx Lynx
The Eurasian Lynx is a distinctive species of wild cat that was common in the Alps until the 19th century. Together with the grey wolf and the brown bear, it was one of the three big predators that were intentionally eradicated across much of…
Alpine Wildlife Notes: Grey Wolf – Canis Lupus
The grey wolf is one of the three large predators that disappeared from the French Alps towards the end of the 19th century, the other two being the lynx and the brown bear. However, in the past few years, small numbers of wolves have…
Alpine Wildlife Notes: Alpine Ibex –Capra Ibex
With its large curved horns and incredible climbing ability, the Alpine Ibex is one of the most instantly-recognisable animals in the Alps. Also known as the Steinbock or Bouquetin, this species of goat lives wild in the European Alps and can regularly be spotted…
Tales of the Alps – The Devil’s Bridge
This story recounts the legendary origins of the Pont du Diable, or Devil’s Bridge, in St. Christophe-en-Oisans. Saint Christophe-en-Oisans is a sleepy alpine hamlet halfway up the Veneon Valley. The inhabitants keep livestock in the high pastures, or welcome the visitors who come for…
Alpine Wildlife Notes: Alpine Chamois – Rupicapra Rupicapra
The Chamois is a species of goat-antelope found across the mountain ranges of Europe and Asia. Native to the Ecrins region is the Alpine Chamois – a small goat-like animal with a distinctive white and black striped face. Chamois Description: The Alpine Chamois is…
Alpine Wildlife Notes: Alpine Chough –Pyrrhocorax Graculus
The Alpine Chough is one of two species of birds commonly referred to as choughs. The other is the red-billed chough. The alpine chough is a common sight in the Alps both summer and winter. However, the red-billed chough is less frequently seen in…
Tales of the Alps: L’Escalade, Geneva
How one old woman saved the city with a pot of vegetable soup… In this series, we look at some of the more interesting tales of the Alpine region. Some, like the battle of the ‘Escalade’, are true. Others have their origins in myths…
Siret: 81746607100039
Atout France Immatriculation: IM038220006
