Mountain Bike Hike Albine-Candesoubre via the Ridges

Some large agricultural “clearings” have been maintained on small plateaus, notably at the hamlet of Sales.
On the scale of the entire massif, there is a sharp contrast between the two slopes: a humid northern slope with beech and fir trees, and a Mediterranean southern slope with holm oaks and pubescent oaks. This contrast explains the diversity of environments. The northern slope has many ecological, faunal, and floral interests due to a great diversity of habitats (heaths, peat bogs, forest and mountain agropastoral environments...) and low human impact.
The diversity of environments and their conditions result in botanical wealth with notable plants recorded. Among them, 7 benefit from national protection. This northern slope also has a remarkable breeding population of birds of prey. This situation stems partly from the presence of many suitable nesting sites (wooded and rocky areas that are little frequented), and partly from the proximity of hunting areas (open zones of agropastoral clearings). Several pairs of Northern Goshawk and 3 to 4 pairs of Peregrine Falcon are present. The open areas of the clearings, relatively preserved from intensive agriculture, allow species to persist (Eurasian Skylark and woodlark, Common Linnet, harriers...).
To see:
- Giant interpretation trail (on the GR7)
- Peyremaux rock
- Fountain of the three bishops
- Hamlets and villages
- Nearby: old glass furnace, departmental textile museum, greenway