Lake Lolair nature reserve

A glacier lake in a basin, a mosaic of plant species

The small Lolair Lake, 1,175 meters above sea level, is fed by three springs and surrounded by an extensive cane field, roche moutonnée and gentle, rolling hills of glacier origin. The lake is home to a large planktonic population, whose only equal in the region is Lozon, and vegetation of significant worth.

Flora
The pond hosts numerous floating species like the Floating pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and Aquatic bladderwort (Utricularia australis). Near the shores and channels grow buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and, along the brooks, rich populations of Yellow Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Water Avens (Geum rivale). The dry Western slope is characterised by xerophile vegetation with Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina), flowering Common Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium) and, in the long abandoned fields, the main alpine station of the rare Pennsylvania cinquefoil (Potentilla pensylvanica).

Fauna
It is easy to glimpse a Golden eagle, Goshawk or Buzzard on the rocky cliffs and, around the lake, typically aquatic birds like wild ducks, that nest here, and gallinules.
In and around the pond live amphibians and reptiles like the common toad (Bufo bufo) and grassa snake (Natrix natrix) while the lake waters are populated by tenches, invertebrates and numerous insect families.

How to get there
Driving on the regional road 26 from Arvier to Courmayeur, turn left following the signs for Leverogne - Valgrisenche and go on until you reach La Ravoire hamlet.
Some paths also start in the Baise Pierre hamlet.