National Wildlife Reserve of Orlu

The French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) ensures its management and develops programs for the study and monitoring of wildlife. The OFB works in partnership with a local structure, the Mountain Observatory, to carry out study, monitoring and promotion programmes.

THE 3 MAIN MISSIONS OF THE RESERVE ARE:
- Study and monitor the evolution of wildlife and its habitats: OFB agents regularly monitor biodiversity, particularly sensitive species. Endemic to the Pyrenees, the izard and the capercaillie hold a special place there. The in-depth studies of which they are the subject contribute to a better understanding of these two species and their management.
- Sustainably preserve the fauna and flora: The environmental awareness and policing actions carried out by OFB agents for the benefit of the natural heritage are based on the results of field studies.By respecting the instructions on the boundary markers of this territory and its discovery trail, you will discover a remarkable biodiversity while contributing to its conservation.
- Raising awareness of adults and children: The Mountain Observatory has created several tools for discovery and awareness of the natural heritage of the Orlu National Reserve:

The Maison de la Réserve and the museum space, located in the Forges d'Orlu, will reopen their doors in 2023. Indeed, as part of the industrial tourism project called "Vallées Ingénieuses", these spaces are currently being redeveloped. It is a question of proposing a new hydroelectric and biodiversity interpretation space.


Due to its shared management recognized as exemplary, the Orlu Reserve was included in the Green List of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2019.


Enjoy a preserved natural Eden...
Admire the chamois that roam the steep slopes of the Orlu National Reserve, listen to the marmots whistle...Look up, in the sky hover the great griffon vultures and the kestrels.
A one-hour walk will take you to the heart of the reserve among the marmots, while three hours will take you to the En Beys refuge. More committed routes will allow experienced mountaineers to reach crests and summits. See section "to see, to do, walks and hikes"

Regulations in the reserve:
- No dogs, even on a leash so as not to disturb wildlife and domestic herds,
- Stay on the trails so as not to disturb wildlife and allow everyone to observe
- For rest or picnic, 2 zones allow visitors to temporarily deviate from the path
- Avoid making too much noise so as not to disturb wildlife
- Do not litter
- Fire prohibited
- Do not pick flowers

Show less