Chamrousse, a mountain lake that has become too crowded

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FRANCE 3

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France 3 Rhône-Alpes, C. Antiga, G. Lespinasse, E. Diaz – France 3

France Televisions

In the Belledonne massif, near Chamrousse, Lake Achard now attracts more than 60,000 people every summer. However, this site is classified as a “sensitive natural area”. The town hall wants to regulate its access.

For several years, Olivier Draghici, mountain guide, has multiplied awareness-raising actions around Lake Achard, in Chamrousse (Isère). He thus hopes to slow down the impact of his tourist frequentation. Mutilated trees, campfires or abandoned chairs: this is the other side of the coin of the site, which attracts more and more people.

Bivouac and swimming prohibited

“The place is so beautiful that there is no reason not to come there. Except that the station, there are far too many people now”, laments a regular. Attendance exploded after the pandemic. The Chamrousse station had to react in order to preserve the sensitive natural area. Camping and swimming are prohibited, and it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash. “You have to feel invited into these territories. The idea is to leave no trace of its passage.explains Olivier Draghici.


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