Flora
The Gran Bosco has wide variety of more than 600 species of flora, among which are some of the most important forest species in Piemonte.
At the border with the meadows (at the bottom of the valley), there’s a considerable area covered in broad-leaf trees, among which Ash Trees, Birches, Maples, and Alders and thin populations of Beech Trees as well as some Yew trees.
As you move to higher altitudes, you enter the realm of conifers. In the driest and sunniest areas and on the most superficial and rocky soils there are Scotch Pines, sometimes covered in big mistletoe bushes. Between 1300 and 1800 meters the area is dominated by Silver Firs and Spruce Firs which extend to the eastern border of the Park. Towards the upper limit of the fir forest it is also possible to find Larches and Stone pines – very rare in the Western Alps – with the wonderful Stone pine forest of the Piccolo Bosco.
The presence of two rare herbaceous species is worth mentioning: Corthusa Matthioli, a Primulacea found in very few places on the southern slope of the Alps, and Menyanthes Trifoliata, characteristic of the areas with brackish water, once largely widespread in the rice fields of Piemonte and today practically disappeared.
Alpine Refuge Daniel Arlaud
The Gran Bosco has a refuge for use all your round for hikers, cross-country skiers and people snowshoeing.
Winter
In winter time the shelter can be reached on foot (with normal mountaineering boots) by following the forest path. For further information contact the Tourist Information Centre.
Summer
The refuge is open in summer. More details can be found by visiting the refuge’s website (below) or from the Sauze Tourist Office.
Park Regulations
The Gran Bosco Natural Park has special regulations to safeguard the forest, its inhabitants and the delicate balances existing between them.
These rules are:
- Never leave rubbish
- No fires are allowed except in specially designated areas where it’s possible to use barbecues and camping stoves
- Do NOT pick wild flowers or wild fruits
- Don NOT disturb amphibians, mollusks, or insects
- Dogs must be kept on leash and cannot be taken outside the recreational areas and the areas established by the Park Authority (however, if you love walking with your dog, you can go alng the road leading from Monfol to Grange Seu)
- From 15th May to 30th November “photographic hunting” is not allowed, in order not to disturb the animals in the delicate period of their reproduction and birth.
- It is forbidden to leave the marked trails.
- Access by bike is free exclusively along the inner carriage roads and the trails specified by the Park Authority.
- Organized groups on horseback or by bike must have the authorization of the Park Director
- During the winter, the use of skis along the trails is admitted, while off-track routes are forbidden.
- Organized groups and school groups can enter the Park in limited numbers and only by previous authorization issued by the Director or led by the qualified staff of the Park Authority.
- Camping is forbidden in all the Park territory, including in the recreational areas, but it is possible to spend the night in Daniele Arlaud Mountain Hut, managed by the Park Authority and situated in the heart of the protected area, at Montagne Seu.
