The Chablais, certify "UNESCO World Geopark"
The Chablais territory has integrated since March 2012, the network of European and global Geoparks recognized by UNESCO. He joined three others french Geoparks (the Geological Reserved of Digne les Bains, the Regional Natural Park of Luberon and the Bauges). Supported by the Syndicat intercommunal organization of Chablais (SIAC), this project aims to enhance the natural heritage of the region. This integration legitimizes the exceptional geological of Chablais and rewards years of work.
What is a Geopark?
This is a lively territory, animated by its inhabitants, its visitors and local actors, where the relation between human and earth is an essential component. A Geopark includes remarkable places (called "geosites") because of their scientific interest, rarity, aesthetic appeal or educational value. Their interest can be also archeological, historical and natural. The 23 geosites selected on the Chablais enable to tell the territory to the public, thanks to information signs and interactive equipment. To help the discovery, many guides and mountain guides have already received appropriate training
What does the Geopark network bring to the region ?
This is an international recognition of geological and cultural heritage and of the environmental quality of the region. The territory, integrated within the network of 90 Geoparks, benefits from collective work and this image on global scale. Many partnerships are concluded with scientists, universities and museums. A real tourist diversification tool, the Geopark label aims to attract new visitors, specialists and non-expert.
Why is the geological heritage of Chablais is remarkable ?
The Chablais region is unique. On the 50km that separate Thonon from Col de Joux Plane in Morzine, the Chablais reflects the history of the formation of the Alps, which dates back to 250 milions years. Before moutains birth, the alpine ocean stretched for hundreds kilometers. During the formation of Alps, the rocks deposited at the bottom of this ocean were wrinkled, fractured and raised. Then the glaciers eroded and carved the landscapes that today offer fascinating sights. These glaciers, now missing, are at the origins of many lakes as Lake Genava or Arvouin Lake. Water that infiltrate into the deposits glaciers gett specifities that we find in the waters of Evian and Thonon.
Historic
Initiated in 2003 by the Haut-Chablais area, the creation process of Geopark was then extended to the 62 towns and villages of the Chablais region. Manage by the Syndicat intercommunal organization of Chablais (SIAC), the application project was the result of several years of works and consultation with local authorities and the scientists. The application to obtain this label "European Global Geopark Network" - Unesco was submitted in november 2010.
This label promotes the Chablais and showcases all the sites selected through interpretation and communication tools. The Geopark has an economic role to play thanks to the development of a new form of tourism: the geotourism.
Geoparks in the world
4 in France, 37 in Europe, 90 in the world.
GEOSites IN THE "PAYS D'evian - valleE d'Abondance" TERRITORY
Champeillant
Mémises/Mont César
Zones humides du Maravant ("Maravant marsh)
Alpage de Bise (Bise pasture)
Lac des Plagnes ("Plagne lake")
Col de Bassachaux ("Bassachaux pass")
More information on www.geopark-chablais.com
Download the presentation leaflet of "Geopark du Chablais"
