Lake Villa Nature Reserve
A glacial lake, water lilies and orchids above Challand-Saint-Victor
In the municipality of Challand-Saint-Victor, a small lake surrounded by woods forms the Lake Villa nature reserve. Established in 1992, it covers about 28 hectares, between 820 and 970 metres. It is also a site of the European Natura 2000 network.
A lake carved by a glacier
The lake fills a basin carved by an ancient glacier in green rocks. Scots pine, downy oak and chestnut grow on its shores, and white water lilies on the water. The nearby dry meadows are known for their orchids.
The kingdom of the toad
The reserve holds the main population of common toad in the Aosta Valley, as well as agile frogs, grass snakes and, recently, the little grebe, which nests here.
Visiting
Two car parks are a few minutes’ walk from the east shore. Marked trails go round the lake, one of them leading to the ruins of Villa castle. A gently sloping path allows visitors with disabilities to enjoy the site.
Address : Villa, 11020 Challand-Saint-Victor (AO)
Opening : trails open freely all year.
Admission : no fee indicated.
Please check before your visit: hours and prices can change from one season to the next.
Maps: personal work by Marc Badjou.
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